By Otitoju Femi
The Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has recorded another major milestone with the commencement of its Institute of Distance Learning, an initiative designed to expand access to quality university education through technology-driven and flexible learning.
This was revealed during an interaction between the Directorate of Public Affairs and Communication (DIPAC) and the Director of the Institute of Distance Learning, Dr. Omolade Adeleke, at his office on the University’s Mini Campus recently.
Speaking on the vision, challenges, achievements, and future of the Institute, Dr. Adeleke described the establishment of the programme as the fulfillment of a long-standing dream that required years of planning, persistence, and institutional commitment.
According to him, efforts to establish the programme began several years ago, even before the administration of the former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Fasina. However, the University initially faced challenges in securing approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC).
“The journey of FUOYE’s Distance Learning began long ago,” he said., adding, “There were earlier efforts, but the University could not secure the NUC license required to commence operations. In 2023, the management revived the vision and assigned me to coordinate the process toward approval.”
Dr. Adeleke explained that the University later invited the NUC for a pre-validation exercise, during which FUOYE scored 85 percent. Despite the impressive performance, the institution could not begin operations immediately because some requirements had not been fully met.
According to the NUC guidelines, a distance learning institute must have a standalone structure and should not share facilities with other departments. At that time, we did not have such a structure, so we were granted only interim approval,” he explained.
He further disclosed that the University intensified its efforts in 2025 after he attended professional training programmes on distance learning education in the United Kingdom, an experience he described as transformative.
“I brought back the knowledge, ideas, and global best practices acquired in the UK and applied them to the system we are building in FUOYE. To the glory of God, in August 2025, the NUC granted us full approval and license to commence the programme,” he stated.
The Director noted that the Institute began with Business Administration as its pioneer programme while simultaneously developing the facilities, manpower, and technological infrastructure required for world-class distance education.
He also commended the support of the current Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olalekan Ogunwole, describing him as a major pillar behind the progress recorded so far.
Dr. Adeleke emphasized that FUOYE’s Institute of Distance Learning is entering Nigeria’s educational landscape with a strong commitment to quality, affordability, accessibility, and global best practices.
“Less than thirty universities in Nigeria currently operate distance learning programmes,” he said. “What we are building in FUOYE will be second to none in terms of quality and facilities because we are introducing global standards into the system.”
He stressed that the Institute was strategically designed to provide flexible learning opportunities for individuals who desire university education but cannot participate in conventional full-time programmes due to work schedules, distance, or other commitments.
Speaking on the Institute’s achievements, Dr. Adeleke described the successful acquisition of the NUC license as a landmark breakthrough, noting that several institutions across the country are still struggling to secure similar approvals.
He also revealed that the Institute has successfully implemented the blended learning model prescribed by the NUC, combining 70 percent online learning with 30 percent physical engagement.
The physical aspect mainly covers examinations and intensive revision exercises, while the larger percentage of learning takes place online. We have been able to decentralize the process successfully,” he said.
To expand access, the Institute has established partnerships with institutions across major cities, including Lagos, Oyo, Akure, Osogbo, Abuja, and Abeokuta.
According to him, these partnerships are helping FUOYE attract students seeking quality degree programmes without the limitations of traditional classroom learning.
Another major achievement, he noted, is the growing student enrollment within the short period of the Institute’s existence.
“Presently, we already have over fifty students. For a newly established programme, this is highly encouraging. Some universities operated their distance learning programmes for years before recording such numbers,” he said.
Dr. Adeleke also highlighted improvements in the University’s digital infrastructure, describing FUOYE’s upgraded portal as comparable to what is obtainable in many Western universities.
“Our portal has been carefully tested and confirmed to be highly suitable for modern distance learning. It is a system that can compete globally,” he added.
On affordability, the Director maintained that FUOYE’s status as a Federal University gives it a significant advantage in making higher education accessible to more Nigerians.
“The foundation of distance learning is accessibility. We are bringing education directly to the people. Students can stay in their homes, offices, or workplaces and still obtain quality university degrees without stress,” he stated.
He further explained that the Institute’s fees are considerably affordable compared to similar programmes offered by many universities.
“What we charge is below two hundred thousand naira, and students can even pay in installments. This makes the programme affordable for the average Nigerian,” he added.
Dr. Adeleke also announced that the Institute plans to introduce five additional programmes in the next academic session: Accounting, Public Administration, Computer Science, Mass Communication, and Criminology and Security Studies.
According to him, the expansion will commence after the NUC conducts a post-validation exercise on the ongoing Business Administration programme.
“We are already developing the modules for these courses in soft copy, hard copy, and audio-visual formats. The audio-visual materials will be uploaded directly to the students’ portal for easy access,” he explained.
He disclosed that applications into the programme are still ongoing despite the commencement of lectures, adding that all registration and payment processes are fully digital.
“The application form costs twenty-five thousand naira, while the acceptance fee is fifty thousand naira. Everything is done online, and once applicants are cleared, the system automatically migrates them from the application portal to the students’ portal,” he said.
Dr. Adeleke further revealed that the maiden matriculation ceremony of the Institute is expected to hold in the first week of June 2026.
Addressing prospective students and the public, the Director described FUOYE’s Distance Learning Programme as a unique opportunity for individuals seeking flexible, affordable, and quality university education.
“I want Nigerians to take advantage of this opportunity because many people have been denied access to higher education due to several challenges,” he said. “With this system, all you need is a smart device and internet access. Tests and assignments can be done online, while physical interactions are minimal.”
He added that the Institute would operate both synchronous and asynchronous learning models to ensure flexibility and convenience for learners.
“In the asynchronous mode, students can access lectures at their convenience, while in the synchronous mode, they only need to appear online briefly before continuing with their daily activities,” he explained.
Dr. Adeleke concluded by affirming that with its strong technological foundation, affordable tuition, strategic partnerships, modern learning facilities, and globally influenced operational model, FUOYE’s Institute of Distance Learning is rapidly emerging as one of Nigeria’s promising centres for digital and flexible university education.
