FUTA Holds Orientation for Open and Distance Learning Students

The Federal University of Technology Akure has organised an orientation programme for newly admitted students of its Open and Distance Learning Centre for the 2025/2026 academic session.

The physical orientation exercise, held on April 22, 2026, marked the third edition of the programme and was aimed at acquainting fresh students with the university’s flexible learning structure, academic expectations, and support services.

In his welcome address, the Director of the Open and Distance Learning Centre, Felix Alao, stated that modern university education now extends beyond conventional classroom settings through the integration of digital learning platforms.

He explained that the centre provides academic support through virtual classrooms, Learning Management Systems, and other online resources designed to facilitate remote learning.

He also noted that admission into the programme remains competitive due to institutional capacity limitations and performance considerations.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Adenike Oladiji, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Taiwo Timothy Amos, described the Open and Distance Learning programme as a strategic initiative to expand access to quality university education for individuals unable to participate in conventional full-time studies.

She stressed that students enrolled in the programme must demonstrate discipline, consistency, self-motivation, and effective time management to succeed in the flexible learning environment.

According to her, while the programme offers convenience and flexibility, students must avoid complacency and remain committed to academic integrity, active participation, and timely completion of assignments and assessments.

Speaking on healthcare services available to students, the Acting Director of the University Health Centre, Emmanuel Onyema, highlighted medical support facilities including outpatient services, emergency care, pharmacy support, and laboratory diagnostics.

The Associate Director of the centre, Oluwayomi Faromika, outlined key academic regulations guiding the programme, including mandatory course registration timelines, attendance requirements, and continuous assessment procedures.

She explained that students are expected to maintain at least 65 per cent attendance in virtual learning activities, while continuous assessment contributes between 30 and 40 per cent of total evaluation scores.

Also speaking, Associate Director David Adewole advised students to remain active on the Learning Management System and adopt structured study habits necessary for effective online learning.

Other university officials who addressed the students included the Director of Works, Samuel Akeju, represented by Tosin Ayeni; the University Librarian, Robert Awoyemi, represented by Angela Israel; and the Chief Security Officer, Samuel Olanitori, represented by Opeyemi Adedipe.

The university management assured students of continued institutional support to ensure a productive and successful academic experience within the Open and Distance Learning system.