OPEN UNIVERSITY AND DISTANT LEARNING: A PANACEA TO ENHANCED ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION IN NIGERIA
Keywords:
Open University, Distance Learning, Higher Education Access, Nigeria Education System, Educational Equity and InclusionAbstract
pen and distance education has offered access to educational opportunities
on the basis of where they live or work, poor economic circumstances, and social status. It
was low access to higher education in the country that necessitated the establishment of Open
University in 1983 to ensure equity and equality of opportunities and wider access to
education, with a view to mopping all those who need higher education but are left out by the
conventional education system. Open and distance learning is important because it makes
education accessible and reduces costs while maintaining quality. This paper therefore
stresses the use of open and distance learning as an avenue to attain knowledge and education
that would put all Nigerian individuals who were denied access to conventional universities
in a better path toward achieving their desired aspirations in life.
