Access to Higher Education for National Development in Nigeria: Distance Education to the Rescue
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Date
2017-10-14
Authors
Bakare, T.V.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Uyo: Forum of Educational Benchmarkers
Abstract
The paper examined the place of Distance Education (DE) as a method of Adult Education in Nigeria and its contribution to national development. It discussed DE practice and challenges in some African countries and related this to the Nigerian situation. It further noted the challenges of the national admission body into the regular tertiary institutions with reconciling the ratio of applicants to those admitted. However, DE, which is conventionally a form of Adult Education, is fast becoming a replacement for regular higher education in its conduct. The implication of this on Adult Education practice in Nigeria is that the changes in the demographics of participants in DE, along with other challenges, affects the essence of Adult Education provision, access and conduct. The paper analyzed the concept of DE and noted that it is currently used to replace, instead of support mainstream education in Nigeria thus eroding the more desirable non-formal approach. It agreed that DE can be used as a tool, per excellence, for human and national development, if practiced in its proper context, attracting the target candidates. Suggestions proffered for better conduct of DE include mounting awareness campaigns to attract the right candidates into programs, and better provision of access to regular education for the youth to stem their influx into DE. The discourse has great implications for lifelong learning, access, national development and adult education practice in Nigeria and globally.
Description
Scholarly articles
Keywords
Distance education , National development , African countries , Tertiary institution , Research Subject Categories::SOCIAL SCIENCES::Social sciences::Education
Citation
Bakare, T.V. (2017). Access to Higher Education for National Development in Nigeria: Distance Education to the Rescue. African Journal of Educational Assessors (AJEA). Forum of Educational Benchmarkers October/December. 5(1) 84 – 99. . University of Uyo.