Former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has called for the wider adoption of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) to address Nigeria’s rising demand for university education.
Osinbajo spoke on Tuesday at the University of Lagos Distance Learning Institute’s Fifth International Colloquium in Lagos, themed, “Reimagining Open Distance Learning Ecosystem: Technology, Policy and Institutional Priorities.”
He noted that more than 2.2 million young Nigerians apply for university admission annually, while the country’s tertiary institutions have historically been able to admit only about a quarter of applicants.
The former vice-president projected that Nigeria’s population could reach nearly 250 million by 2036, potentially pushing annual university applications to 2.7 million or even beyond three million.
He argued that conventional universities would struggle to provide enough lecture halls, laboratories, hospitals and campuses to accommodate such numbers, making ODL essential to expanding access.
Osinbajo said technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence, could help institutions combine large-scale access with personalised education.
According to him, AI-powered tutors could assist students by explaining difficult concepts, assessing their understanding, translating learning materials and providing individualised feedback.
He also noted that technological changes would require professionals in fields such as law, accounting, banking and engineering to continually acquire new skills.
Osinbajo stressed that technology should serve as a means of improving human capabilities and expanding opportunities.
He urged policymakers and education stakeholders to develop practical measures covering technology, lecturer training, assessment and AI as Nigeria prepares for future demands.
The former vice-president said distance learning could eventually become the main channel through which millions of Nigerians gain access to university education.
He commended UNILAG’s Distance Learning Institute for its pioneering role and encouraged the institution to continue contributing to the development of the sector.
Earlier, UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, described ODL as crucial to expanding access to higher education amid the country’s rapidly growing youth population.
Ogunsola said Nigeria has about 89 million people aged between 15 and 30, adding that the conventional university system could no longer adequately meet the increasing demand for tertiary education.
She said ODL offers flexible opportunities for workers, people with disabilities and those living far from university campuses.
The vice-chancellor also disclosed that UNILAG no longer indicates distance learning on graduates’ certificates, reflecting its position that ODL graduates should receive the same recognition as those from conventional programmes.
She advocated a shift from simply delivering educational content online to creating more connected, engaging and personalised learning experiences.
Ogunsola added that AI could support personalised instruction, instant feedback, content creation, assessment and early identification of students experiencing academic difficulties.
However, she highlighted concerns around academic integrity, data privacy, intellectual property, algorithmic bias and unequal access to digital technology.
Director of the DLI, Prof. Risikat Dauda, said ODL was increasingly important for expanding access, addressing skills shortages and preparing Nigerians for changes in the labour market.
Dauda identified poor broadband infrastructure, expensive data, digital literacy gaps and concerns over employers’ perception of ODL qualifications as some of the challenges facing the sector.
She urged stakeholders to convert the recommendations from the colloquium into institutional strategies, regulatory frameworks and national policies.
The event featured academics and policymakers from Nigeria, Ghana, the United Kingdom and other countries, with Emeritus Prof. Stephen Brown delivering the keynote address.