UI Commissions 650-Seater Lecture Theatre and Other Projects at Distance Learning Centre

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, has commissioned several facilities at the university's Distance Learning Centre (DLC), including a 650-seater lecture theatre complex, a memorial park in honour of late Professor Olushola Adedoja, a new bus and an e-learning studio.

Professor Adebowale described the 650-seater lecture theatre complex as a significant milestone in the university's development, noting that the project represented more than the construction of a physical structure.

He said the facility demonstrated the university's commitment to expanding educational opportunities and strengthening its capacity to meet the changing demands of higher education in Nigeria.

The Vice-Chancellor appreciated the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for its intervention and disclosed that the lecture theatre would serve the entire university community.

He added that the new facilities would strengthen the relationship between digital learning and physical academic engagement by ensuring that technology and modern infrastructure complement each other in the delivery of quality education.

Professor Adebowale commended the immediate past Director of the centre, Professor E. B. Omobowale, for his contributions to the progress of the project. He also appreciated the Chief Executive Officer of Edutech Portal Solutions, Mr Jimi Fakoya, for his commitment and continued support for the centre.

Recounting the evolution of the Distance Learning Centre, the Vice-Chancellor said its administrative and operational activities began in 1988 in a modest wooden structure on the university's main campus.

In 2005, the centre relocated to a facility at No. 20 Awolowo Avenue, Bodija, Ibadan, marking another phase in its institutional development.

He explained that the centre moved to its previous head office complex on November 16, 2008. The property was bequeathed to the university by the late Chief Samuel Olasupo Moroundiya and was rehabilitated before its official commissioning during the university's 2008 convocation ceremonies.

The commissioning was performed by the then Chancellor, His Highness, the late Alhaji (Dr) Ado Bayero, Emir of Kano, CFR, LL.D.

Professor Adebowale acknowledged the donor's lasting contribution and disclosed that the university was exploring ways to reactivate and optimise the use of the bequeathed property while ensuring that the terms of the bequest were respected.

He noted that the centre had evolved into a technology-driven open and distance learning platform serving thousands of learners through digital tools such as mobile classes, interactive online tests, audiobooks, video lessons and real-time virtual classrooms.

According to him, the centre's development reflects the university's commitment to making education more accessible to learners regardless of their geographical location.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Director of the Distance Learning Centre, Professor O. F. W. Onifade, described the commissioning as a celebration of institutional progress and a renewed commitment to expanding access to quality university education.

He said the facilities would complement the centre's digital learning infrastructure by providing spaces for lectures, examinations, conferences, professional development and scholarly engagement.

Professor Onifade explained that the future of distance education lies not in choosing between technology and physical infrastructure but in integrating both to improve learning outcomes.

He added that the centre's commitment goes beyond increasing student enrolment to strengthening academic quality, improving students' learning experiences, enhancing operational efficiency and creating an environment where innovation can thrive.

The Director appreciated the Vice-Chancellor and university management for their leadership and support in completing the projects. He also acknowledged the contributions of the immediate past Director to the growth of the centre.

Speaking on the memorial park, the CEO of Edutech Portal Solutions, Mr Jimi Fakoya, described the late Professor Olusola Gloria Adedoja as an academic whose mentorship and guidance played a significant role in shaping his career.

He disclosed that an early recognition of his potential in the then Department of Teacher Education at the University of Ibadan had a transformative impact on his life.

According to him, the original plan initiated by the former Director was to beautify the outdoor space. However, the vision later developed into a living tribute to the late professor, resulting in an ornamental sanctuary comprising 243 trees.

The trees include Araucaria, King's Palms, Bougainvillea, fruit-bearing sweet oranges, hybrid oil palms and mainly Cameroonian phycos.

Mr Fakoya said the occasion was also significant for Edutech Portal Solutions because, alongside the park, the university commissioned a state-of-the-art dual e-learning studio.

He described the studio as a public-private partnership project designed to support advanced open and distance e-learning.

He further disclosed that the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission had described the facility as the best among Nigerian universities nationwide, adding that it demonstrated what could be achieved through collaboration between academia and visionary private-sector partners.

In his remarks on behalf of the family of the late Professor Adedoja, Reverend Professor I. O. O. Aiyelaagbe expressed appreciation to the university management for approving the memorial park.

He said the park provided an opportunity to honour a departed family member whose life and contributions remained significant to those who knew her. He also pledged the family's support for its maintenance and gradual improvement.

The Director of Physical Planning and Project Management, Professor B. I. O. Dahunsi, explained that the project was completed under the 2024 Annual Intervention of TETFund, with an additional upgrade provided through the 2026 TETFund Intervention Fund.

He disclosed that the 650-seater lecture theatre complex comprises two 100-seater lecture halls, a 150-seater seminar room, eight offices, a business centre, four 50-seater classrooms, 32 toilet facilities and a 30KVA inverter system with a lithium battery.

Professor Dahunsi described the complex as a state-of-the-art facility that would expand the capacity of the Distance Learning Centre and strengthen its contribution to the university's academic activities.