ABU Zaria Launches Project In UK To Facilitate Distance Learning

First generation university, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria has launched what it coined as “Internationalization Project” to collaborate with foreign partners in the promotion and advertisement of its distance learning degree programmes across the United Kingdom and other European countries.

Malam Auwalu Umar, Director, Public Affairs and Information, disclosed in a statement on Tuesday.

The statement explained that the ABU Distance Learning Centre (DLC), would attract foreign students and qualified Nigerians in the Diaspora for the programmes in the centre.

He said the Centre will attract expatriates also as online teachers, e-tutors, partnerships and collaborations on digital pedagogy and research.

Statement reads “the initiative followed a feat recorded early this year when the University Distance Learning Centre (DLC) partnered stakeholders in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to attract eligible candidates for its e-learning academic programmes.

“The project was recently launched in London, where officials of the University led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Bala, held a series of high-level meetings with UK strategic partners at Nigeria High Commission, London.

“The launch was on the strength of approval granted the University by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to use all Nigerian Embassies and Mission offices around the world as information and resource centres.

“While in London, there was a meeting between the University officials, and those of the Nigeria High Commission at which the internationalization initiative was discussed.

“The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Bala, told the meeting that the new normal heralded by the COVID-19 had continued to push institutions to adapt to the fast-changing educational environment.

“Prof. Bala stressed that ABU Distance Learning Centre, which was recently rated as the best in Nigeria by the National Universities Commission (NUC) on account of its quality assurance, remained the right vehicle to drive the initiative.”

The Vice-Chancellor, who described the project as a “huge success”, expressed gratitude to the Nigeria High Commission for all the support, including facilitation of the institution’s Distance Learning Centre Open Day in London designed to promote and showcase ABU distance learning degree programmes.

Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, applauded ABU’s pacesetting efforts and assured that the Commission would assist the University towards realization of what he described as “highly commendable initiative”.