Federal Polytechnic offa, To Commence Open Distance and Flexible e-Learning As NBTE Trains Staff, Inspects Facilities

As parts of its efforts to increase access to quality education, the Management led by Engr. Dr. Kadiri Kamoru Oluwatoyin FNSE is ready to commence Open Distance and Flexible e-Learning (ODFeL) in the Polytechnic.

The Management, who received a team from National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for train the trainer session and facilities inspection, said the Institution is fully ready to embrace ODFeL and spread education to more people who cannot afford the conventional institutions at affordable rate. 

The purpose of the NBTE ODFeL training is to equip staff members with innovative teaching methods, effective communication models and advancements in their respective fields. 

During train the trainer session, Mr. Aliyu Hassan from NBTE said Open Distance Flexible and e-Learning

(ODFeL) denotes an instructional approach that integrates the principles of open learning, distance education, conventional in-person teaching, and frequently electronic learning. He added that the ODFeL approach is designed to remove impediments to the delivery and receipt of education and training and offers learners various learning methods; affords increased adaptability regarding the location, speed, and timing of their learning experience.

Mr. Aliyu urged the staff of the Polytechnic to embrace the opportunity and expand the teaching and learning methods.

While speaking on the vision of ODFeL, he said the vision is to enable everyone to learn anywhere, anytime and anyhow,using educational technologies in widening access to the TVET sector to ensure that Nigeria has a skilled and globally competitive human resource base.

Another NBTE resource person and alumnus of the Federal Polytechnic Offa, Mr. Ibrahim Akanbi noted that ODFeL will increase access to quality Technical Vocational Education and Training(TVET). He admonished the management to put in place the required framework, infrastructure, and technologies for ODFeL programme.

The Rector represented by the Deputy Rector Academics, Dr. Mrs. M. B Aliyu appreciated the NBTE team for the training and facility inspection. She said the training is necessary for  staff as it will enhance the professional skills and adaptation to gradual  educational change and trends to compete globally with other intellectuals in the world.

According to her, “ODFeL provides flexibility, convenience, and equal educational opportunities for individuals who cannot attend conventional schools of choice due to finances, time management or locations.”

She therefore assured the NBTE team of the management's full preparation for the ODFeL programme in terms of adequate facilities and equipment.

Also speaking, the Deputy Rector Admin., Dr. Salimonu Isiaq appreciated the National Board for Technical Education team. He said the management led by Engr. Dr. Kadiri Kamoru Oluwatoyin is fully ready to commence ODFeL programme, adding that it is one of the major aims and objectives of the current administration to expand academic programmes in the Polytechnic and provide equal opportunities for quality education. 

While the Director of ODFeL, Engr. Dr. Abdulazeez Ajao commended staff members for their patience and attention throughout the train-the-trainer session, he appreciated the management for embracing ODFeL with total support and commitment to make it a success.