A former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Idowu Olayinka, has been appointed as the Pro-Chancellor and Governing Council Chairman of West Midlands Open University, Ibadan.
He was inaugurated alongside the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olumide Babatope Longe; the Senate Representative, Air Commodore (Dr) Akeem Adebomehin; Convocation Representative, Prof. Adenike Osofisan; Mrs. Bisi Asimolowo; Mrs. Deola Ajayi; National Universities Commission (NUC) representative, Dr Ligari Gabriel Hadu, and the university’s Registrar, Adekunle Durosinmi, who doubles as the Secretary of the Council.
Olayinka, who spoke after the inauguration, lamented that the country had struggled with high levels of illiteracy, particularly in rural areas.
He said that distance learning mode would help in reducing the nation’s illiteracy burden as well as providing flexible and accessible education options.
“The concept of distance learning is not new to Nigeria. The country has a long history of distance education, dating back to the 19th Century. Modern technology has made distance learning more effective and widespread. Distance learning can provide opportunities for unreached populations to access education, thereby increasing literacy rates,” he said.
On his part, the Vice Chancellor, Longe, said the institution would be committed to providing students with an education that is both accessible and impactful.
The VC asserted that the university would offer high-quality, affordable, and relevant learning programmes that would contribute to the socio-economic and technological advancement of Nigeria.
He, however, posited that West Midlands Open University is poised to redefine the educational landscape in Nigeria and beyond, offering lifelong learning opportunities that empower individuals and communities alike.
Earlier, the founder of the university, who is the Ekarun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Adebayo Akande, said the new university would be dedicated to nurturing future leaders and engendering academic excellence.
The Visitor, therefore, prayed for the success of the governing council members on the new assignment.
