Trend Analysis of Access to Higher Education through the Distance Learning Programme in the Northeast, Nigeria
Keywords:
Access, Higher Education, distance learning, Northeast NigeriaAbstract
This study analyzed open and distance learning (ODL) programme in providing access to higher education in Northeast, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to: identify institutions that run ODL programme in the northeast; analyse students’ admission, enrolments, graduation (completion) and identify the challenges faced by such ODL centres. The study used secondary data obtained from two purposively selected ODL centres (Modibbo Adamawa Federal University of Technology and University of Maiduguri) and survey for primary data. The data generated were analyzed using SPPSS version 23 and presented in graphs and tables. The study found that Adamawa State University, Taraba State University, Modibbo Adamawa Federal University of Science and Technology and University of Maiduguri are the institutions that currently operate the ODL programme in the Northeast. The study revealed that students’ admission, enrolment and graduation from the ODL programme have increased in the two institutions. The programme has contributed significantly to access to higher education in the Northeast. The programme, however, faces crucial inadequacies including funding, ICT facilities and trained personnel. The study recommended increased funding for ODL programme by the Federal and State government to enable the programme to be effective and achieve its goal. It also suggested the upgrading of ICT facilities and deployment of personnel to the ODL programme, and continuous training and re-training of ODL staff.
Résumé : Cette étude a analysé le programme d’enseignement ouvert et à distance (FOAD) dans le nord -est du Nigeria. Les objectifs de l’étude étaient les suivants : identifier les établissements qui gèrent le programme FOAD dans le nord-est : analyser l’admission des étudiants, les inscriptions, l’obtention du diplôme(achèvement) et cerner les défis auxquels font face ces centres. L’étude a utilisé des données secondaires obtenues auprès de deux centres de FOAD choisis à dessein (Modibbo Adamawa Federal University of Technology et University of Maiduguri) et a mené une enquête pour obtenir les données primaires. Les données générées ont été analysées à l’aide de la version 23 de la SPPSS et présentées sous forme de graphiques et tableaux. L’étude a révélé que l’Université d’État d’Adamawa, l’Université d’État de Taraba, l’Université fédérale des sciences et de la technologie de Modibo d’Adamawa sont les institutions qui opèrent actuellement le programme FOAD dans le nord-est. L’enquête a révélé que l’admission des étudiants, les inscriptions et les diplômes du programme FOAD ont augmenté dans deux établissements (lesquels ?). Le programme a contribué de manière significative à l’accès à l’enseignement supérieur dans le nord-est. Cependant, le programme, fait face à des insuffisances cruciales, notamment en matière de financement, d’équipements TIC et de personnel formé. L’étude a recommandé une augmentation du financement du programme FOAD par le gouvernement fédéral et local afin de permettre au programme d’être efficace et d’atteindre son objectif. Elle a également suggéré la mise à niveau des équipements TIC, le déploiement de personnel au programme FOAD, la formation continue et le recyclage du personnel FOAD.
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