UNILAG DLI 4th International Colloquium Calls for Inclusive and Future-Proof Distance Learning

The University of Lagos (UNILAG), through its Distance Learning Institute (DLI), on Thursday, September 11, 2025, hosted the 4th International Colloquium with a rallying call for innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability in Nigeria’s educational landscape.

Held at the Nurudeen Alao Auditorium, the colloquium drew stakeholders from academia, government, and industry under the theme “Future-Proofing Open Flexible Distance Learning: Balancing Innovation, Inclusion and Sustainability.”

Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, in her welcome address, stressed that while technology is a game-changer in digital learning, it must not erode human connection. She urged educators to make distance learning more enriching and socially connected, linking the conversation to a broader African renaissance in science, innovation, and education.

Director of DLI, Professor Risikat Oladoyin Dauda, described digital education as a critical equalizer, warning against limiting access to only the wealthy and well-connected. She called for inclusive systems that can serve rural communities with limited infrastructure, proposing a national collaborative charter between the Federal Ministry of Education, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

The colloquium, chaired by Group Managing Director of Sahara Energy, Dr. Kola Adesina, MFR, featured a keynote by Dr. Nicole Lotz of The Open University, UK, who emphasized that future learning environm

ents must nurture well-being, belonging, and co-creation.

Contributions also came from Professor Chukunoye Enunuwe Ochnogor of Tshwane University of Technology, who urged alignment of African education with the Fourth Industrial Revolution through investment in infrastructure, teacher training, and cross-sector collaboration.

A panel session moderated by Regina Chris-Ogbodo featured experts including Professor Oyesoji Aremu of Achievers University, Dr. Hadu Ligeri representing the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Professor Abdullah Ribadu, as well as Professor Ganiyat Adesina Usman and Dr. Christie Nerantzi of Leeds’ Open University. Discussions centered on integrating cultural relevance with technological innovation while sharing institutional success stories.

Preceding the colloquium was a workshop on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, where former Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede, delivered a lecture titled “Inclusive, Equitable and Sustainable OFDL: Strategies for a Better Future.” He underscored that sustainable open learning must go beyond technology to include faculty development, learner-centered support systems, financing, and long-term monitoring.

The event also featured goodwill messages from Olabisi Onabanjo University, University of Ilorin, Achievers University, and Federal University of Technology, Akure, commending UNILAG’s leadership in advancing open and distance learning in Nigeria.

With just 331 days since the last edition, the 2025 colloquium marked a renewed urgency in reimagining education for a more inclusive and digitally connected future.