The Open and Distance Learning (ODL) is one of the most practical ways which Universities across the world are increasingly adopting to increase access to Higher Education.This paper examines the effects of the Distance Learning Programme of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) on access to Higher Education in Borno State, Nigeria. The objectives of the paper are: to examine the rate of enrolment into the programme from 2012/2013 to 2017/2018 Academic Sessions; to examine the programme in terms of flexibility of access and identify the challenges faced. The study used both primary and secondary sources of data. The primary data was obtained through self-administered questionnaire to 350 students, 6 Heads of Department, 6 e-tutors and 6 Heads of Units at UNIMAID. The secondary data on students admission records for the period studied were obtained from the Admission Office of UNIMAID.The study found that access to higher education into UNIMAID through the distance learning programme increased every academic session. The study further found that the programme is flexible in its mode of operation in terms of admission requirements and conducting semester examinations. However, the study established one fundamental challenge – an inadequate number of trained e tutors for effective and efficient service delivery. The study concludes that despite the major challenge faced, the programme has continued to record increases in enrolment thus improving access to higher education in the region. The study recommends that the Centre for Distance Learning train more e-tutors to fill the present gap.
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Study of the Effects of Distance Learning Programme of the University of Maiduguri on Access to Higher Education in Borno State, Nigeria
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Author(s)
Abdullahi, J.
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