The Federal University Dutse (FUD), has approved the establishment of the School of Continuing and Distance Learning Education (SCDLE), to expand access to higher education.
This is contained in a statement by Abdullahi Bello, Director, Public Affairs of the university, on Wednesday in Dutse.
He said the school is designed to meet the growing demand for flexible learning among working professionals, non-traditional students and international learners.
Bello said the initiative would provide alternative admission opportunities for qualified applicants, who are unable to secure placement in conventional full-time programmes.
The statement quoted the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ahmed Gumel, as highlighting that the global higher education system, is rapidly shifting toward flexible and technology-driven learning.
He stressed that the university could not afford to be left behind in adopting modern teaching and learning methods.
“The school will focus on digital literacy and professional development to bridge existing access gaps, and diversify the university’s internally generated revenue.
“To ensure academic rigour regardless of students’ location or schedule, the SCDLE will adopt a multi-channel delivery approach that include continuing education programmes for local professionals through weekend and evening classes,” he said.
According to Gumel, the distance learning model will offer a borderless and fully digital experience, where the entire learning process will be managed through a state-of-the-art Learning Management System (LMS).
The programme, he said, would also be a blended learning model, combining approximately 60 per cent online study with 40 per cent face-to-face intensive contact sessions.
He listed the programmes to include Agriculture; Computing and Management Sciences, among others.
