The Vice-Chancellor, National Open University (NOUN), Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, has emphasised the need for inclusive learner support systems in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) to ensure student success.
According to him, “Inclusion requires that we move beyond simply enrolling learners. We must intentionally design systems where every learner regardless of geography, disability, socio-economic background, language, gender, or circumstance can thrive.”
Uduma made the call during the opening ceremony of a 2-day regional workshop organised by Regional Training and Research Institute for Open and Distance Learning, National Open University of Nigeria (RETRIDOL-NOUN) and Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Themed: “Inclusive Learners’ Support Processes in ODL and Digital Education,”held between 24-25 February, 2026 at the NOUN Headquarters, Abuja.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Shehu Usman Adamu, Uduma stressed that institutions must move beyond mere access and focus on designing environments where every learner can thrive, regardless of geography, disability, socio-economic background, language, gender, or circumstance.
“Inclusion is not optional,” the VC declared as he challenged universities across Africa to redesign their digital education systems to serve every learner not just those who can easily navigate them.
According to him, Open and Distance Learning has widened participation in higher education, but significant barriers persist from inaccessible platforms and high connectivity costs to limited psychosocial and academic support structures.
The VC highlighted the importance of embedding accessibility into course design, ensuring affordable connectivity, providing responsive academic advising, and leveraging data to support at-risk students.
He identified accessible course design, affordable connectivity, responsive advising, ethical data use to support at-risk students, and faculty capacity development in inclusive digital pedagogies as central pillars of reform.
He warned that rapid expansion of digital learning must not outpace equity. Access, he stressed, is only the starting point; meaningful support determines success.
While welcoming representatives of COL, the Director of RETRIDOL, university leaders, resource persons, and participants from across the continent, he described the workshop as a decisive moment for action.
Uduma further called for stronger regional collaboration, urging institutions to co-create scalable models that reflect African realities while aligning with global commitments such as the UNESCO Education 2030 Agenda and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4.
The VC urged participants to engage actively, share generously, and collaborate openly to ensure ODL expands opportunity, equity, and success for every learner.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Director, RETRIDOL, Prof. Dorothy Ofoha, emphasised the importance of inclusive learner support systems in ODL, stating that success goes beyond technology or course content to depend on systems and processes that support learners.
"Inclusive learner support ensures that every student, regardless of location, background, or ability, has equitable access to academic guidance, administrative assistance, technical resources, and psychosocial support," she said.
Ofoha stressed that embedding inclusivity into learner support processes can enhance participation, improve retention, and create opportunities for learners to thrive and succeed.
The director highlighted RETRIDOL's mandate to strengthen capacity in ODL and promote regional collaboration, citing the institute's work in countries such as Cameroon, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
She expressed optimism that the workshop would foster collaboration and lay a strong foundation for follow-up engagements and pilot initiatives.
The Director expressed gratitude to the VC for his commitment to RETRIDOL’s mission, and the COL for their support.
The workshop featured presentations and discussions on strategies and practices for inclusive learner support, with resource persons: Prof. Rotimi Ogidan, a professor of Guidance and Counselling and Study Centre Director at NOUN, as well as Dr. Sefinat Omuya, Director of Counselling and Career Development at NOUN, sharing their expertise.
They urged participants to work together to develop actionable frameworks and policy recommendations for inclusive learner support in ODL across the region.
The workshop, jointly convened with COL, brought together delegates from across Africa, senior administrators, learner support professionals, policymakers, and experts from across West Africa to co-create scalable models for inclusive support.
Presentations and discussions centred on best practices in inclusive learner support, with a focus on regional challenges and opportunities, as delegates showed commitment to turning ideas into action, driven by Uduma's call to prioritise student success.
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