E-Learning and Distance Education in Nigeria

Distance education or distance learning is a field of education that focuses on teaching methods and technology with the aim of delivering teaching, often on an individual basis, to students who are not physically present in a traditional educational setting such as a classroom. It has been described as "a process to create and provide access to learning when the source of information and the learners are separated by time and distance, or both. Therefore this paper discusses the relevance of elearning in the position of distance education in Nigeria. It commences by discussing the meaning of e-learning and distance education. It also discusses the historical background of distance education in Nigeria as well as the operations of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) as the first federal University in Nigeria dedicated to the provision of education through distance mode. Furthermore, the paper highlights the revolutionary development of Information and Communication Technologies, the development of e-learning in Nigerian schools, the need for open and distance education in Nigeria, the prospects and challenges of e-learning in the operation of National Open University of Nigeria. The paper also examines the mode of delivery and quality assurance in NOUN.