Unibadan Distance Learning Centre

UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN COMMENCES ADMISSION INTO ITS OPEN DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAMME FOR THE 2021/2022 ACADEMIC SESSION

Distance Education is an initiative that sprouted in response to the need to give desirous populace, who deemed a university degree necessary for varying reasons like career elevation, self-actualisation and basic qualification for employment, access to university education and fulfillment of their desires.

The University of Ibadan has two modes of Educational Deliveries: the Conventional Face-to-Face Mode and the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Mode. The ODL mode is a viable alternative for pursing a University of Ibadan degree, hence the entrenchment of the ‘Parity of Esteem’ policy in the university. Parity of Esteem is a pivotal policy which guides the operations of the University of Ibadan Distance Learning Centre (UIDLC). The policy stipulates that students on the two modes of studies have equal rights and privileges in the university.

In a bid to increase access to the UI ODL programme, the General Public should be informed that suitably qualified candidates can now apply for admission to UIDLC programmes for the 2021/2022 Academic Session.

Candidates are required to pay an Admission Processing fee of N10,500 only, into any of the Centre's Sixteen Programmes domiciled in Five Faculties, which includes:

1. B.A. English;
2. B.A. Philosophy and Public Affairs;
3. B.A. History and Diplomatic Studies;
4. B.A. Communication and Language Art;
5. B.Sc. Psychology;
6. B.Sc. Economics;
7. B.Sc. Political Science;
8. B.Sc. Sociology;
9. BSW. Social Work;
10. BLIS. Library, Archival and Information Studies;
11. B.Ed. Guidance and Counseling;
12. B.Ed. Adult Education;
13. B.Ed. Educational Management;
14. B.Sc. Computer Science;
15. B.Sc. Statistics
16. BNS Nursing.

Except for the Nursing programme which considers ONLY Registered Nurses for Direct Entry applications, both Direct Entry and O’level applications are welcome for the other Fifteen Degree Programmes listed above.

For further enquires:
WhatsApp/Call: Nike: +234 810 481 2619, Kehinde: +234 816 204 3939

Thank you.
Olubunmi O. Faluyi
Registrar

THE CLASS OF DEGREE AND THE LIFE BEYOND
Dayo Olajide

At the initial stance, it was delightfully interesting to know that everyone who showed up at the entrance of the Convocation Hall was a First Class graduand. As an official at the event, I joined my colleagues to dress them appropriately in their academic outfits and check them into the hall. Unconsciously, I had started to size each one of them up, from their appearance, attitude to their demeanour.

If I were the University of Ibadan Management, I could start stripping some folks of their first class based on the yardstick I had set. I could also double it for others who impressed me. I was lounging in this subconscious activity when another set of graduands showed up. Alas! They claimed to have Second Class Degrees and pleaded to be allowed into the hall. I noticed three ladies and two young men particularly. They looked stunningly amazing. My mind switched to the judgmental mode again: “these are the ones who should have the first class”. They were cultured and courteous, well dressed and spoke good English, but denied access to the hall which was designated for first class graduands. Well, I knew my judgement was somewhat whimsical.

Notably, a young chap from amongst them cautiously walked up to me. He said he had a 5.9 CGPA, hence missed first class by one point. I went mum for a while but was swiftly inspired to tell him that the CGPA does not define him. I made him realise that he is the definition for his class of degree. His face suddenly shone. I further nailed it by charging him to go out there and make his certificate count even if he was not counted among the first class graduands. I don’t pride myself as a motivational speaker but I think I did a brilliant job on his mindset.

Subsequent activities in the hall gave me mixed feelings. The University in its wisdom had decided to streamline participation at the convocation to ensure precautionary measures were taken against COVID 19. Considering the sober ambiance of the event, I could not but deduce that the difference between those who excel and those who don’t is their attitude to failure and success. For the first-class folks, that level of success attained needs to be conquered in order to sustain success. Success, not necessarily failure, is the greatest enemy of success. A first class in the hands of a clueless graduate is a frustrating reminder of a pursuit in futility. The failure to attain a first class degree is not a write off but a sign up to do more. You cannot attain success until you learn from failure.

The idea of schooling is premised on an issuance of certificate at the end of the academic sojourn. These deductions came on the heels of an allusion the Keynote Speaker made about the notion that “Schooling is a Scam”. Schooling is a mindset that strips one of the rights to education. I believe education is an attitude, a poise, the sagacious will to matter in life. Schooling then is an opportunity given by one’s parents or the government, but education is a right bequeathed by God. Everyone, regardless of schooling outcomes, can matter in life. You must discover life as an antecedent to maximizing the right to education. The denial of schooling opportunities or lack of brilliant outcomes is not a judgement of class but privilege. God did not create us to be schooled, he designed us to explore. The mediocre predisposition to schooling is what robs many of education.

Consequently, schooling for all the graduands ended at that convocation ceremony. To judge education by schooling is to circumvent the process of equipping people for gratifying life outcomes. Schooling is only a phase in the crave and pursuit of education. Every graduand, regardless of class or degree should make this phase count by leveraging their successes and failures to count in life. Schooling, which is timebound introduces you to content, education which is lifelong nurtures your guts to deploy that content.

Dayo Olajide
Communications Officer, UIDLC

DEFYING THE ODDS OF PHYSICAL DISABILITY

The loss of social esteem which trails the strides of people living with peculiar disabilities is often wrapped in the society's wrong perception of disability. This invariably entrenches it in the minds of many that disability is a limitation and an obstacle to achieving life goals. It is absolutely baseless to presume that people living with disability are not as productive as others. The society cannot afford to expect less of them because of their physical disabilities. It is this kind of attitudes, rather than any physical impairment, that create barriers for people with disabilities.

Esther Ifeoluwa Taiwo's story cannot go untold as yet another limit breaking achievement despite physical disability. Her academic feat draws one into deep reflection of how disability can be turned to motivation.

With a firsthand encounter with her, I saw ability within, which yearned to be expressed regardless of physical disability. She picked up the application form to study Psychology in the University of Ibadan on the Distance Learning mode, a choice that did not look wise considering the general perspective about distance education. Rather than settle for popular opinion, she saw opportunity beyond the cynicism. In a journey where some quit and others get encroached under the yoke of academic pursuit, Esther waded through the tides of self-study successfully. With a dint of hard work and courage, she soars today.

In a chat with her, she explained that if she had just sulked in the wheel chair and not desire new horizons, she would not have achieved an academic feat. According to her, the DLC mode of study enabled her to have tertiary education. She opined that with her condition, it would not have been convenient to successfully go through the physical rigours of school activities on the face-to-face mode. Apparently, she would need the services of a maid who will assist her to navigate the university terrain. She revealed that her parents could not afford that luxury, coupled with an engagement of a standby cab to take all over the place.

Esther saw opportunities where others saw discrimination. In her words, she was excited to know that the only time she needed to show up was during examinations. Seemingly, her parents could handle dropping her off for her examinations and pick her up when she was done with the scheduled Examinations. Esther further revealed that all the DLC staff where supportive not because she was an object of pity, but they helped as dear friends.

Esther’s journey was not without challenges, but they are not worth recounting today because the beauty of putting on the UI Academic Gown was a great end that made the rough journey worth the price. The warm smiles of being flanked by notable academics and administrators to take a picture could not be described with words. By this feat, she has further established the fact that Distance Education is not a second rated escape route but a viable alternative.

This is to encourage people living with disability out there, Esther is your case in point. Physical challenges are not barriers to the success of any human. If your desire is strong enough, you can overcome attendant limitations. Esther’s story is yet another attestation that indeed the motto of the UIDLC: "Education for Liberty and Development" was conceived as a watchword for those who wish to defy all odds and hit their life goals. UIDLC offers education beyond the four walls as a stepping stone for the actualization of dreams. The time advantage cannot be overemphasized. The mental resilience deployed on the programme also comes in handy on the competitive turf of life and career development.

As she joins other graduands at the 73rd Convocation Ceremonies of the University of Ibadan today with a Second Class Honours (Upper Division), Esther can lift her head up high as a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree holder from the prestigious University. Her's is an academic pursuit with singleness of purpose which defied the odds of physical disability to make a story which inspires.

Dayo Olajide
Communications Officer, UIDLC

OVERCOMING THE SCHOOLING ‘PALAVA’: THOUGHTS FROM THE UIDLC ASPIRE SYMPOSIUM

The importance attached to schooling is so overwhelming that going to school has been erroneously perceived as a license to success in life. Is schooling actually the antidote for a mediocre life? Understanding the disparity between schooling and education is core to gaining the right perspective in seeking university admission and in pursuit of a right standing on the very competitive terrain of relevance. There is no gainsaying the fact that good schooling can produce good graduates, but the rude reality that stares us in the face as a nation is that we have not been able to translate our first class honours to significance in life, hence the clarion call for value added educational delivery.

In a bid to shift the perspective of its learners from the straightjacket pursuit of certification to single-minded pursuit of relevance, the Aspire Symposium was organized by the University of Ibadan Distance Learning Centre. Specifically, the symposium was put together to motivate the learners to build a healthy mindset and self-esteem, spur them to take advantage of the time advantage which Open and Distance Learning avails and stimulate Career Prospect and Focus.

The event held on Thursday, 28 October, 2021 at the Professor Isaac Folorunso Adewole (PIFA) Hall, University of Ibadan Distance Learning Centre CBT Centre. It featured speakers who facilitated sessions from academic and professional angles with practical infusion on the following topics:
1. Leveraging ICT for Entrepreneurial Development: The Distance Learning Advantage
2. Planning your Professional Development
3. Unschooling for Entrepreneurial Development

It had an array of prolific and dynamic speakers which include Prof. Ayotola Aremu, an Educational Technologist and Director, Office of International Programmes, University of Ibadan; Dr. Adebayo Oluwole, a Counselling Psychologist and researcher in Department of Counselling and Human Development Studies, University of Ibadan and Adewole Williams, a career coach and Associate Member of Centre for International Executive Education and Development, United Kingdom.

The symposium emphasized the need for participants to think entrepreneurial development above a pursuit of paid employment. Unarguably, the value placed on certificates as a parameter for relevance is the reason why we retrogress as a nation and fail to get our educational priorities right. It is therefore apparent that certificates become stale achievements when the bearer lacks value for lifelong education. Professor Aremu pointedly shared personal perspectives and professional insights with practical experiences from budding and successful student entrepreneurs. She painstakingly explained and nudged participants to leverage online opportunities for skill acquisition and networking.

Dr Oluwole particularly urged them to go to school but be aware of their environment in order to evolve the spirit of entrepreneurship. He mentioned categorically that entrepreneurs are problem solvers but schooling has been revealed to be one of the ways by which subscribers are brainwashed. According to him, creativity and innovation is a product of critical thinking and self-discovery not a reflection of high grades. He also shared funding opportunities available for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Mr. Williams consolidated the thoughts of previous speakers with a mind blowing and energetic presentation which answered the question of schooling actually increasing the chances of graduates making it in life. He emphasized the need for participants to have a Personal Development Plan (PDP). He taught them how to develop their career pathway without basking in the certificate frenzy which breeds more mediocre graduates than purpose enthusiasts.

What is the way out? What are the piercing deductions from the symposium? Every youth should make up their minds not to allow their schooling to rob them of education. Schooling is time-bound, but education is life-long. Regrettably, our society's judgment of academic success is wrapped in mediocrity. The priority placed on academic qualification is defeated when upon getting a job; you still have to learn on the job. The reason is not farfetched: graduates are not trusted to deliver until tested. The years of pursuing a degree should be a defining period of a youth’s life, but many of them tend to be more confused after graduation than they were upon admission.

The value placed on education should be birthed in the place of personal discovery. If you do not discover your uniqueness, you do not deserve the spotlight. The spotlight is for people who have value to offer. Participants were nudged to reflect on how they can add value to the society because discovered value puts educational pursuit in perspective. Instructively, the certificate at this realm becomes a backup not a projection of who they truly are.

Consequently, the need to subscribe to Distance Education as offered by the University of Ibadan Distance Learning Centre should be emphasized. This is the 21st Century rescue from the schooling rot! If the conventional mode cannot accommodate the number of young people who seek tertiary education misconceived as schooling, it is believed that they can be positioned to become entrepreneurial undergraduates on the Distance Learning mode of educational delivery. The conventional schooling system gives little or no leverage for entrepreneurship. Open and Distance Learning (ODL) therefore affords its subscribers the opportunity for self-development, engagement in volunteering activities and learning a vocation or skill. The TIME ADVANTAGE is key on this pedestal. This is education which transcends schooling.

The well attended event was spiced with varieties which include a raffle draw. It saw some participants go home with cash prizes, recharge vouchers and gift items. With ceaseless requests for a sustenance of the symposium, UIDLC learners are to anticipate a bigger and better edition in months ahead

Dayo Olajide
Communications Officer, UIDLC

UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN
DISTANCE LEARNING CENTRE

ASPIRE SYMPOSIUM

The UIDLC Aspire Symposium is being organised to motivate UIDLC Learners in building a healthy mindset and self-esteem in order to engender pursuit of relevance; spur them to take advantage of the time advantage which Open and Distance Learning avails and stimulate Career Prospect and Focus.

The event is scheduled to hold on Thursday, 28 October, 2021 at the PIFA Hall of the UIDLC CBT Centre at 11:00 a.m.

Speakers will be speaking from academic and professional angles with practical infusion on the following topics:
1. Leveraging ICT for Entrepreneurial Development: The Distance Learning Advantage
2. Planning your Professional Development
3. Unschooling for Entrepreneurial Development

Expected participants are Learners on the University of Ibadan Distance Learning Mode of Study who have registered for the programme through an internal mechanism. However, the event will be streamed live on the Unibadan Distance Learning Centre page.

See flier for details.

UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN
DISTANCE LEARNING CENTRE INVITES SPECIAL APPLICATIONS FOR ADMISSION (2020/2021 ACADEMIC SESSION)

Distance Education is an initiative that sprouted in response to the need to give desirous populace, who deemed a university degree necessary for varying reasons like career elevation, self-actualisation and basic qualification for employment, access to university education and fulfillment of this desire.

The University of Ibadan has two modes of educational deliveries: the conventional face-to-face mode and the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode. The ODL mode is a viable alternative for pursing a University of Ibadan degree, hence the entrenchment of the "Parity of Esteem" policy in the university.

Parity of Esteem is a pivotal policy which guides the operations of the University of Ibadan Distance Learning Centre (UIDLC). The policy stipulates that students on the two modes of study have equal rights and privileges in the university.

In a bid to increase access to the UI ODL programme, the general public should be informed that SPECIAL applications for admission are now being invited from suitably qualified candidates to UIDLC programmes for the 2020/2021 Academic Session. Special consideration is being given to candidates who initially applied to the University of Ibadan and eventually sat for the Post UTME examinations but could not gain admission on the face-to-face mode. Candidates in this category with scores not lower than 40 would be required to pay an application fee of N3,000 only while other prospective candidates who did not sit for the UI Post UTME examinations would be required to pay an application fee of N10,500 only.

The Centre runs sixteen programmes in five faculties, which are as follows:
1. B.A. English;
2. B.A. Philosophy and Public Affairs;
3. B.A. History and Diplomatic Studies;
4. B.A. Communication and Language Art;
5. B.Sc. Psychology;
6. B.Sc. Economics;
7. B.Sc. Political Science;
8. B.Sc. Sociology;
9. BSW. Social Work;
10. BLIS. Library, Archival and Information Studies;
11. B.Ed. Guidance and Counseling;
12. B.Ed. Adult Education;
13. B.Ed. Educational Management;
14. B.Sc. Computer Science;
15. B.Sc. Statistics
16. BNS Nursing.

Applicants are to note that this Special window of opportunity for admissions would end on Friday, 4 June, 2021, with no extension. They are to visit the Centre’s Admissions Office, Morohundiya Office Complex, along new Oyo Express way, Idi-Ose, Ibadan for screening between Monday, 7 and Friday, 18 June 2021.

The following documents are required for the screening exercise:
1. Original Results (O’level; ND, OND or NCE for Direct Entry applicants)
2. University of Ibadan Post UTME Result Slip (candidates with scores less than 40 are not eligible)
3. Application fee receipt.
4. Acceptance fee receipt (N30,000)
5. Notification of admission
6. A passport photograph

Except for the Nursing programme which considers ONLY Registered Nurses for Direct Entry applications, both Direct Entry and O’level applications are welcome for all the other academic programmes.

For further enquires:
Admissions Officer: 08023424337
Learner Support Officer: 08162043939

Thank you.

Olubunmi O. Faluyi
Registrar,
University of Ibadan

UIDLC INVITES SPECIAL APPLICATIONS FOR ADMISSION (2020/2021 ACADEMIC SESSION)

UIDLC FLAGS OFF SPECIALIZED WORKSHOP FOR ITS E-TUTORS

The idea of having dual mode universities in Nigeria has proven to be a laudable shift from the face-to-face mode of educational delivery. University of Ibadan has been at the forefront of the Distance Learning intervention on the platform of its Distance Learning Centre. Inevitably, education stakeholders have all been drawn to the unescapable new normal where they need to be more intentional about real time online educational delivery.

Unarguably, the COVID-19 is a health crisis with direct impact on the health sector and by extension, the economy. Specifically, its effect on the educational sector cannot be overemphasized. The response of distance learning solution providers to the changing tide in educational delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic is critical to successful teaching and learning in the new normal.

It is in this light that the Management of the University of Ibadan Distance Learning Centre collaborated with EduTech Portal to organise a four-day specialized workshop for the Centre’s E-Tutors. The workshop was designed to train UIDLC E-Tutors to be online course design and delivery specialists. It will enable them to design and update course content, and deliver a rigorous programme of technology-enhanced online and mobile learning modules for UIDLC learners, in line with National Universities Commission (NUC) approved ICT-enabled curriculum delivery.

The workshop was flagged off with an opening ceremony today, Wednesday, 15 September, 2020 in the PIFA Hall of the UIDLC Computer-Based Testing (CBT) Centre. The ceremony was graced by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka FAS and the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Adebola Ekanola. In his address, the Vice Chancellor gave a retrospection of the Centre evolution. He relayed the humble beginnings of the Centre from a wooden office to the CBT Centre. He asserted that blended conventional learning was being modified because of the coronavirus pandemic. He appreciated the efforts of past Directors of the Centre. He then commended the incumbent Director, Professor E.B Omobowale for sustaining the momentum. He mentioned some of the achievements he had recording in the different positions he held prior his appointment as Director and expressed confidence that with crop of academics and administrators he had on his Core Management team, the Centre would be taken to greater heights.

He noted that it was too early to assess the team, but submitted that the indications were clear that the team will record great feats for the University of Ibadan. He added that the Centre was not a mere money generating unit but a solution provider. He then urged the seventy E-Tutors who had been scheduled to participate in the workshop to make the best of the engagement which would feature resource persons with prerequisite knowledge and experiences in Open and Distance Learning.

In his remarks, Professor Ekanola opined that the ideals of Distance Education being established in the UIDLC would be imported into the mainstream. He commended the UIDLC Management for organising such a robust workshop as depicted on the line up of activities for the four days. He then admonished participants to be poised to learn new skills and update their knowledge in online facilitation so as to be relevant in global trends.

The Director in his speech reassured the E-Tutors that their recruitment process would be regularised when normalcy is restored in the University. However, he noted that the crop of E-Tutors participating in the workshop were carefully nominated to start driving the process of online engagement. He reiterated that the essence of their engagement was to add value to the system, hence the workshop. He then emphasized the need for all-inclusiveness in the wake of the new normal on the educational terrain. Consequently, he submitted that due to the apparent exigencies, emphasis was being laid on quality online interactions with UILDC learners, which needs to be doggedly pursued at this time.

The importance of targeted capacity development of E-Tutors cannot be overemphasized. In spite of technological advancement, faculty plays very critical role in distance education. E-tutors, therefore, have the responsibility to support curriculum delivery and improvement of online learning. It was easy to deduce that the workshop would ensure transfer of training to real work hands-on situations. Also, it would enable E-Tutors integrate technology more efficiently and effectively into learner support and facilitation and provide excellent remote delivery of instruction through research based innovation.

With the workshop, we can only look forward to a more vibrant and relevant UIDLC which will contribute in no small measure to the pedigree and clout of the University of Ibadan. This is yet another feat and expectations are high that it will further project the university in the global prominence.

Dayo Olajide
Communications Officer, UIDLC

From the Director’s Desk
THE UIDLC: A NEW BEGINNING; A NEW DAWN OF EXCELLENCE

My name is Emmanuel Babatunde Omobowale. I am a Professor in the Department of English, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan. My area of specialization and research focus is Literature and Medicine.

I was graciously appointed as the seventh substantive Director of the University of Ibadan's Distance Learning Centre by the Vice Chancellor of our esteemed university, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka, FAS, on February 11, 2020. I have assured him that I would do my best to acquit myself creditably in the discharge of my duties as the new Director of the UIDLC.

I am therefore delighted and indeed honoured to send this message to learners and stakeholders of the University of Ibadan Distance Learning Centre at a time like this, in the history of the Centre. I must confess that indeed God rules over the affairs of men, otherwise I would not be here today, as the new Director of our ever progressive Centre.

My formal assumption of duty on Monday, 17 February, 2020 came to me as an epoch making event, for profound reasons. It was a grand ceremony that celebrated the achievements of the immediate past Director's upon his exit. It was also memorable because I was warmly welcomed as the new Director. The ambience of the event was such that all those present gave glory to God for the successes recorded during the tenure of Professor Oyesoji Aremu, who spent six years as the Deputy Director (Academic) and three years as the substantive Director.

I must sincerely thank Professor Aremu for the cordial atmosphere recorded at the handover ceremony, which was without cynicism or rancour.

It is expedient for me to again express my appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abel Idowu Olayinka, FAS, who deemed it fit to appoint me as Director together with Professor Omobola Adelore, who is the new Deputy Director (Administration). I would like to use this medium to restate my commitment, as I did at the handover ceremony, that my administration will build on the solid foundations established by the previous Directors of the Centre. We have started work already and would not relent in the fulfillment of the visions of the previous administration while introducing thoughtful and student-centered innovations.

I would like to use this opportunity to notify all our learners that your welfare would be at the forefront of every policy initiated by my administration. The parity of esteem policy would be upheld and we will further project it and facilitate an all-encompassing equity with your counterparts on the face-to-face mode.

However, it is important for you to know that we cannot accomplish this without your full support. We solicit your cooperation as important stakeholders of the University of Ibadan's Distance Learning Centre.

We are very much aware that there are challenges of outstanding results in some programmes which is not a welcome development, given the fact that you require appropriate and quick feedback on these results to take strategic decisions about your future. I would like to assure you that concerted efforts have been made to secure the release of all outstanding results. We will continue in this effort. With the grace of God, this unpleasant phenomenon would soon become a thing of the past, as we leverage on the achievements of previous administrations.

Furthermore, I would like to inform you that there are ongoing efforts to revamp the ICT base of the Centre. This would be given concerted attention. I also promise that the UIDLC platforms would be more user-friendly and we will ensure a seamless interaction on our different platforms.

On behalf of the UIDLC Management, I welcome you to this new reinvigorated UIDLC. We earnestly solicit your prayers and goodwill for a successful term. I urge you to always check your UIDLC dedicated email accounts as this is the platform through which information would be disseminated to you. New developments will be broadcast for your information and necessary action from time to time.

Thank you and God bless you.

Professor E.B. Omobowale
Director,
University of Ibadan,
Distance Learning Centre.