OPEN UNIVERSITY AND DISTANT LEARNING: A PANACEA TO ENHANCED ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

pen and distance education has offered access to educational opportunitieson the basis of where they live or work, poor economic circumstances, and social status. Itwas low access to higher education in the country that necessitated the establishment of OpenUniversity in 1983 to ensure equity and equality of opportunities and wider access toeducation, with a view to mopping all those who need higher education but are left out by theconventional education system. Open and distance learning is important because it makeseducation accessible and reduces costs while maintaining quality. This paper thereforestresses the use of open and distance learning as an avenue to attain knowledge and educationthat would put all Nigerian individuals who were denied access to conventional universitiesin a better path toward achieving their desired aspirations in life.