Management of The Polytechnic, Ibadan on Monday said the institution has begun Open Distance and Flexible e-Learning (ODFeL) for prospective admission seekers.
The institution said the programme would assist its mandate to students on interrupted academic activities.
Speaking with journalists during the launching of the programme, the Rector of the institution, Prof Kazeem Adebiyi, noted that the concept it was to make education available to all students regardless of their distance and status.
He lamented that some students interested in going to urban-based institutions but could not make it due to lack of fund and modern necessities, saying ODFeL was an avenue for such students to achieve their dream.
According to him, the mission of the institution as one of the best was to be feasible, online and known all over the world.
He maintained that the programme would also gives opportunity to physically challenged people who are unavailable to attend regular classes owing to movement.
“This programmw was approved in 2020 by National Board of Technical Education (NBTE). We are about taking off because all necessary requirement have been put in place in terms of technology and human resources to pilot the programme.
“Working class students who couldn’t complete their studies due to tight schedule of their work will be able to complete their studies and obtain their degrees. We want to ensure that this institution is in line with best practices.
“In 2019, COVID-19 was an eye opener. Students couldn’t come to classes but with ODFeL, even if school is not open to business due to one reason or the other, we are not close to learning. This will give us a kind of uninterrupted academic activities.
“NBTE accredited all our programmes for ODFeL but we are starting with Accountancy, Business Administration, Computer Science, Mass Communication, Public Administration, and Local Government Studies. It will later expand to other programmes as time goes on. By the time we run these six for a session, other programmes will join by following session.
“There is no need for students coming to class. They will only come to class when it’s time for examination. In line with the policy of ODL as approved by NBTE, all lectures will be online except there is need for physical participation which will not take more than a week.
“Though all admission to tertiary education is through JAMB, The Poly Ibadan ODFeL students are going to write exams. Unlike other regular students, they will also pass through JAMB for registration.”
He however said application for the programme is through http://odfel.polyibadan.edu.ng, adding that application fee for National Diploma (ND) is N2,000 while N5,000 is for Higher National Diploma (HND).
