The Distance Learning Institute (DLI) of the University of Lagos on Thursday, August 28, 2025, commemorated the World Distance Learning Day with a sensitisation walk on campus and awareness campaign within the Iwaya-Yaba community. The activities featured a funfair, educational exercises, and outreach programme anchored on the institute’s conviction that illiteracy is not only a social disadvantage but also a costly stigma that can be eradicated through education without borders.
Classrooms without Walls
In her address at the Community Engagement Outreach themed: Improving Access to Education via Open and Distance Learning Mode , the Director of DLI, Professor Risikat Dauda, underscored the significance of the celebration.
She described distance learning as “a powerful tool for dismantling barriers to education and building a more inclusive and equitable world.” According to her, access to quality education has become increasingly difficult for many due to geographical, economic, physical, or personal limitations.
Professor Dauda noted that technology has transformed education by creating “a classroom without walls, a library without shelves, and a school without borders.” She highlighted the transition from simple correspondence courses to modern, interactive systems such as video conferencing, digital libraries, and AI-powered platforms, which have brought flexibility, affordability, and broader access to learning.
She concluded by affirming that distance learning is no longer a temporary measure but a permanent and vital component of the global educational ecosystem.
Royal Endorsement for Lifelong Learning
As part of the commemoration, a delegation from the Institute visited the palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Suleiman Owolabi Ogun-Oloko, the Olu of Iwaya-Yaba Kingdom, where further advocacy on the importance of education took place.
Speaking during the engagement, Dr. Peter Olayiwola of DLI emphasised that “education is the gateway to success, a builder of confidence and discipline, and a creator of opportunities.” He shared a personal testimony to illustrate that success requires consistency and resilience, noting that there is no “royal road” to achievement.
Also addressing the gathering, Dr. Adegun Adedunni Omowunmi of DLI highlighted the importance of learner support services in sustaining student success. She explained that such services, ranging from psychological to social and technical assistance, are essential in motivating learners, addressing challenges, and providing the structure necessary for academic attainment.
Speaking on behalf of the Olu of Iwaya-Yaba Kingdom who was unavoidably absent, his Special Adviser on Education, Mr. Clever Anthony, re-affirmed the King’s passion for education as a driver of social and economic transformation. He noted that the palace has consistently supported scholarships for disadvantaged learners and pledged continued collaboration with UNILAG’s DLI to expand access to knowledge and opportunities.
The event was graced by members of the UNILAG community, palace dignitaries, alumni, and community leaders, including Mr. Sola Thomas (UNILAG alumnus and Councilor), Chief Ayanrimo Hakeem, Prince Sola Oloko, and Chief Joab Gusanu.
Report: Afolabi Akinola
Photography: Michael Joshua & Islamiat Akanni
