Reportedly, the National Universities Commission’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Ibrahim Usman Yakasai, recently declared:
“Nigeria will not recognise online degrees. Online degrees are not accepted in Nigeria at the moment; the Nigerian constitution does not even give recognition to such degrees. Those who ran out of Nigeria for study outside this country are those looking for cheaper degrees. It is either they cannot pass the examinations or they do not possess the minimum entry qualifications” (Amuta, 2015).
Having mulled over the NUC press release, the following questions came to mind:
1. Does the NUC diligently regulate its accredited universities? The NUC apparently knows what is not acceptable but cannot manage their mandated responsibilities around diligence in their universities. For example, the issue is not the way in which students receive knowledge but the environment in which students attending their universities struggle to learn. The NUC needs to get its house in order. It is time it addressed its monitoring (maintenance) procedures. Quality education cannot survive when students stand outside lecture rooms to receive teaching! Must Nigerians “recognise” NUC incompetence in addressing this debacle?
2. Why is no Nigerian University featured in the top 2000 places in the global universities ranking? Comparatively, however, three South African universities make the top 500 (Times Higher Education, 2014; Webometrics, 2014). Worryingly, one of Nigeria’s management and human resources experts, Fola Ogunsola reported that over 80% of Nigerian University graduates (with an NUC accredited degree) do not meet the expectations of employers (Omenazu, 2015). This grassroots reality speaks for itself.
3. Perhaps Mr Yakasai might consider that students seek other venues because of the parlous state of decaying NUC universities. Online institutions (like Harvard and Cambridge Universities) offer world-class education and use distance learning (Harvard University, 2015; University of Cambridge, 2015) – why throw out the educational baby regardless of the institution? If other countries allow Nigerians to attend their universities why does the NUC feel threatened? Is the NUC afraid of legitimate competition? Of course, one way to get rid of the competition is to give a dog a bad name and then hang it.
4. Is there really a law in Nigeria that forbids online teaching? The constitution provides for academic freedom in which Nigerians can choose how and where to learn. The constitution gives Nigerians the freedom of information – the right to pass information to others. This information includes all records, documents and information stored in whatever form including written, electronic, visual image, sound, audio recording (Freedom of Information Act, 2011). If you are saying something is illegal, it means it against the law and there is no such law. It was for a similar reason that the Judge dismissed the case of PROF DAVID IORNEM V. NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES COMMISSION in Suit number FHC/ABJ/C8/439/2005. The judge was amazed that the NUC could not distinguish between a circular and a law. The NUC had purportedly issued a circular claiming it was a law. What sort of “governance” is taking place in the NUC?
5. Why is the NUC glued to lecture room teaching? Distance learning and lecture room teaching are 21st century realities. Instead of seeking refuge in a questionably out of date Nigerian law (which is not even in the Nigerian Constitution) that forbids online teaching, the NUC should advance the benefits of online learning to the legislators. Online education has the potential to free some of the education challenges in Nigeria. For example, if 500,000 students enrol for JAMB and the carrying capacities of the universities are 400,000, what happens to the 100,000? Online universities can help reduce this unacceptable mess.
6. Has the NUC conducted research into distance learning? Online degrees are designed to accommodate mature adults and professionals who want to advance their education while still working. It is important that NUC accept that Blended Learning is taking centre stage in higher education in developed countries (ICEF Monitor, 2015). The blended learning combines aspects of mostly independent study using online technologies and occasional student-lecturer interaction. Importantly, degrees obtained via blended learning are not different from those who study for the lecture room qualifications. However, which online degrees cause the NUC concern – and why? Research papers would add to the debate.
7. There are many success stories of distance learning. For example, the legal luminary and impeccable politician, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, read his two degrees (B.Com. and LL.B.) outside the four corners of a university wall. He is one the best lawyers and politicians in the history of Nigeria. Also, the famous Nigerian academic and professor of mathematics, Chike Obi, got his first class degree studying from his home in Onitsha. There are many of such success stories including Nelson Mandela. If it was possible in those days, why is it impossible, now?
No, Mr Yakasai, Nigerians are not looking for cheaper degrees! Serious students seek credible education void of archaic practice and poorly maintained and overcrowded institutions. Nigerians want to be part of the global community that value a quality learning environment in a strife free academic setting. Many of us are sick and tired of the stifling and academically restricted NUC-controlled educational status quo! However, Mr Yakasai, it might be a good idea to check out what the law of our country is. A learned Judge disagrees with the NUC article’s vacuous claim made about Nigerian law. Perhaps, a professional approach would require such a reliable source statement, would it not?
Perhaps Mr Yakasai and his fellow NUC members might learn the lesson of the dinosaurs – they disappeared when not adapting to change. A truculent dismissal of online degrees is not a solution that enhances and sustains our decrepit tertiary educational system. The NUC needs to wake up to its 21st century responsibilities and move beyond the archaic learning methodologies of previous eras. The current approach adopted by this otherwise respected body continues to push Nigerian education into the swamp of irrelevance and decay, motivate students to study overseas and advance online learning.
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