The Distance Learning Institute (DLI) of the University of Lagos has received the award for the “most improved academic unit” at the university as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Speaking in an interview with UNILAG Sun, the Director of the Institute, Professor Risikat Dauda, outlined the strides made in academic excellence, infrastructural development, and staff and student welfare that have merited the award and placed the institute at the forefront of open and distance education in the country.

“Receiving the award for ‘Most Improved Academic Unit’ at the University of Lagos was the highlight of the year,” Prof. Dauda said.

“The Office of Quality Assurance and the Vice-Chancellor’s office gave the award to appreciate our significant improvement in teaching, research, and community outreach and engagement. The award is proof of the hard work and dedication of our academic staff. It speaks to our concerted efforts in upholding an environment of academic excellence.”

Prof. Dauda added that her administration has promoted the introduction of technology at the institute, in her quest to ensure better accessibility to quality education.

“The e-Resource Center currently boasts an increase in the number of workstations from 500 to 780, and efforts are on course to have 1,000. These facilities are fitted with high-speed internet to ensure that students, regardless of location, can access learning materials. We have spent over ₦20 million on eBooks and journals so that our students, wherever they might be in the world, can have access to important academic resources,” she explained.

“The institute is also considering partnerships with telecommunications companies to provide cheap data plans for students”, she added, addressing one of the major setbacks faced by distance learners.

Speaking about the institute’s 50-year journey, Dauda said she was determined to uphold the tradition of excellence instituted by the DLI.

She gave credit to both past and present staff who impacted the success stories recorded by the institute and painted a vision to position the DLI as a “future-ready, fit-for-purpose educational institution” in line with the SDGs.

“My vision is one of inclusive access to education while developing partnership programs with global organizations such as the International Council for Distance Education (ICDE),” she added.

Reflecting on her legacy, Dauda envisions being remembered as an innovative leader who created an environment where dreams could thrive.

“I want to be seen as someone who worked with people, created a conducive working environment, and pushed everyone to bring out their best,” she said. “Education is a leveller, and I strongly believe that access to education can transform lives, regardless of background.’’