The Distance Learning Centre of the University of Ibadan has inaugurated the ODL VANGUARD in its bid to further sensitise its students on the practice of mainstream Open Distance Learning (ODL). The event held recently at the DLC auditorium, Morohundiya Complex, Idi-Ose, Ibadan.

Speaking on the rationale at the inauguration ceremony, the Director of the Distance Learning Centre, University of Ibadan, Professor Bayo Okunade, explained that the event was meant to drive a new change, lay a foundational knowledge which would create awareness and soften more of the problems the centre is encountering currently, adding that the centre is currently driving a globalisation in a hostile and local environment, in order to getting to where it wants to be in the nearest future.

He added: “This is a virtual tertiary education, and we are trying our best to constitute a nucleus that would expand with time. At the same time, we hope to have immediate impact amongst our students as we believe this is a global platform we are trying to beat. We must professionalise distance learning.”

The Chairman, DLC Quality Assurance Committee, Dr. Ben Emunemu, in his remarks, encouraged the students to avail themselves of the opportunities offered by information communication technology and social network platforms to update themselves as the centre is revolutionising its operations. His words: “In the 21st Century, we have to be familiar with facilities that would enable us operate in the mainstream of ODL. There is nothing bad if our students are ahead of their lecturers because we think there should not be only quality of teaching but of personal learning as well.

“We want UI ODL to be outstanding, and we want our students to maximally key into the offer this platform would render.”

Following were questions, reactions and comments which were however entertained from the participants, and answers supplied by the Director.

•Photo shows Director of the Distance Learning Centre, University of Ibadan, Professor Bayo Okunade.