DLI-UNILAG Marks World Distance Learning Day with Community Outreach

The Distance Learning Institute (DLI) of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) commemorated World Distance Learning Day on Thursday, August 28, 2025, with a sensitization walk across the campus and an awareness campaign within the Iwaya-Yaba community.

The initiative included a funfair, educational activities, and outreach programmes, reflecting the institute’s mission to eliminate illiteracy through education without borders.

Classrooms Without Walls

At the Community Engagement Outreach themed “Improving Access to Education via Open and Distance Learning Mode”, DLI Director, Professor Risikat Dauda, highlighted the importance of distance learning in breaking barriers to education. She described it as “a powerful tool for dismantling barriers to education and building a more inclusive and equitable world,” noting that many individuals face geographical, economic, physical, or personal constraints that limit access to traditional learning.

Professor Dauda emphasized how technology has transformed education, creating “a classroom without walls, a library without shelves, and a school without borders.” She explained the evolution from traditional correspondence courses to modern interactive systems like video conferencing, digital libraries, and AI-powered platforms, which provide learners with flexibility, affordability, and broader access. She concluded that distance learning has become a permanent and essential component of the global education ecosystem.

Royal Endorsement for Lifelong Learning

As part of the commemoration, a delegation from DLI visited the palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Suleiman Owolabi Ogun-Oloko, the Olu of Iwaya-Yaba Kingdom, to advocate for the value of education.

During the engagement, Dr. Peter Olayiwola of DLI stated, “Education is the gateway to success, a builder of confidence and discipline, and a creator of opportunities.” He emphasized that achieving success requires consistency and resilience, noting there is no “royal road” to accomplishment.

Dr. Adegun Adedunni Omowunmi of DLI highlighted the role of learner support services—including psychological, social, and technical assistance—in sustaining student success. She noted these services motivate learners, address challenges, and provide the structure necessary for academic achievement.

Representing the Olu of Iwaya-Yaba Kingdom, his Special Adviser on Education, Mr. Clever Anthony, reaffirmed the monarch’s commitment to education as a driver of social and economic development. He acknowledged the palace’s ongoing support for scholarships for disadvantaged learners and pledged continued collaboration with UNILAG DLI to broaden access to learning.

The event was attended by members of the UNILAG community, palace dignitaries, alumni, and community leaders, including Mr. Sola Thomas (UNILAG alumnus and Councilor), Chief Ayanrimo Hakeem, Prince Sola Oloko, and Chief Joab Gusanu.