The University of Lagos Distance Learning Institute (DLI) has marked World Distance Learning Day with a campaign highlighting that millions of Nigerians remain locked out of education due to poverty, geographical barriers, and other socioeconomic challenges.
The event, held on campus and in the Iwaya-Yaba community on August 28, featured a sensitisation walk and outreach activities aimed at promoting open and distance learning as a tool to close education gaps.
Director of the Institute, Professor Risikat Dauda, said technology was reshaping education into “a classroom without walls, a library without shelves, and a school without borders.” She emphasised that distance learning was no longer a temporary measure, but a permanent feature of Nigeria’s education system.
Other speakers highlighted the importance of learner support services, including psychological, social and technical assistance, to ensure that students enrolled in distance programmes succeed.
The delegation also visited the palace of the Olu of Iwaya-Yaba Kingdom, where community leaders pledged to support awareness drives and scholarships for disadvantaged learners.
With Nigeria facing high dropout rates and limited university places, DLI officials said distance learning offers flexibility, affordability and broader access — but warned that sustained investment in infrastructure and learner support is needed if it is to close the gap.
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