Information and communication technology, and challenges for distance education in Nigeria

Ezeja Ogili
Institute of Management and Technology
Enugu, Nigeria

There is much more to a successful distance learning system than the quality of a programme’s academic content. Information and communication technologies (ICT) offer a valuable opportunity for innovative delivery of effective learner-centred services; and, with the number of learners being offered online learning opportunities increasing rapidly, the provision of such services using ICT is becoming essential.

This paper provides a brief history of distance education in Nigeria, focusing on its underlying concepts and characteristics. It also analyses the challenges faced in using ICT, particularly the need to strengthen the sense of a learning community which is more accessible, personal, interactive and integrated and, as a result, reduce the ‘gaps’ in distance learning.