Distance Learning: Uniport Seeks Private Sector Partnershipa

The University of Port Harcourt said on Tuesday that it would partner the private sector in the Open Distance Learning (ODL) programme of the National University Commission (NUC).

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Joseph Ajienka made the announcement in Port Harcourt when officials of Fidelity Bank paid him a courtesy visit.

Ajienka said that the bank had made a proposal to manage the university’s facilities and that the institution was currently negotiating the terms of the agreement.

According to him, if the proposal put forward by the bank sails through, the bank through its e-business unit will run electronic learning system for the university.

Ajienka, represented by his Deputy, Prof. Ethelbert Nduka, said that implementation of the programme in the university would provide alternative access to tertiary education for more people.

The vice chancellor assured that the programme would improve standard of education in the country by reducing the conventional classroom “face-to-face” interface between students and lecturers.

Regional Manager of the bank, Mr. Iyke Azubogu said the bank would invest a 3.0 capacity platform with latest bandwidth and Internet connectivity inline with requirements of the NUC.

He stated that it would provide state of the art text, voice and video contents and other basic features that would enhance the programme.

“Our platform will also provide access to admission, registration, academic calendar and e-library for lecturers and students,” Azubogu said.