Prof. Bashir Omipidan, Director, Centre for Open and Distance Learning (CODL), University of Ilorin, on Monday canvassed the adoption of `Dual Model of Learning’ in the nation’s universities.
Omipidan made the submission on Monday while speaking with newsmen in Ilorin adding that dual learning was a combination of physical and virtual learning methods.
According to him, dual learning methods can help the country catch up with the rest of the world.
Omipidan, a Professor of Law said that the combination of the two models of learning would assist to address the gaps recorded in the number of qualified admission seekers and available spaces into our universities.
He expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Sulyman Abdulkareem, for establishing the CODL.
Omipidan said that this would go a long way in protecting and preserving the good image of the University as one of the leading Centres of Excellence in tropical Africa.
“The practice of direct learning has become greatly entrenched in Nigeria.
“A trial of virtual learning would show that it is more convenient and can be more pervasive and exciting than the conventional system of teaching and learning.
“While there is nothing wrong in face-to-face interactions in the course of imparting and evaluation of the magnitude and quality of knowledge transmitted, it is much cheaper to do so virtually,” he said.
He said that the system of virtual learning was quite easy for teachers and learners as they could be at home and still be imparting and assimilating knowledge, which were the essence of education.
Omipidan said that with what the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) achieved during the pandemic it was clear that if more of our universities combined the two models of learning more people would become educated.
He stated that for as long as there was internet service, learners would enjoy the virtual method as it would give them the privilege of doing so many other things and save them more resources and time.
Omipidan said that distance learning was not out rightly new in Nigeria as most of those who read law in Nigeria some decades back did so through distance learning.
“This was even conducted through correspondence when the idea of contemporary communication revolution was a mere dream,” he said.
He disclosed that the Distance Learning facilities at the University of Ilorin was approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
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