Virtual Learning Is The Way To Go- UNILAG VC

By Blessing Famose

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, has declared that virtual learning is the way to go due to the ongoing renovations in the halls of residence.

In an exclusive interview with UnilagSun, Professor Ogunsola highlighted that while online learning alone may not be ideal due to the need for human interaction, it remains a practical solution to the challenges of coverage and access facing Nigeria’s education sector.

“Human beings are social animals; we must create space for socialization. However, considering Nigeria has a population of about 81 million people aged between 15 and 30, the current university system only caters to approximately 2 million,” she explained.

The Vice-Chancellor further broke down the numbers, noting that the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) accommodates 500,000 students. At the same time, the remaining 1.5 million are shared across over 260 universities in the country.

“If we are going to provide education for the young population, this current model cannot take us there. Online education, with all its challenges, is part of the solution,” she said.

Addressing concerns about the limitations of virtual learning, Professor Ogunsola acknowledged its drawbacks but emphasised its necessity. “Online education requires certain infrastructures, and on its own, it cannot replace face-to-face learning entirely. However, there is no way forward without incorporating it. One semester of online learning will not kill us. The alternative would have been worse.”

She elaborated on the rationale behind introducing online learning for certain semesters at UNILAG, especially in light of recent transportation difficulties and the need for inclusivity. “We thought about it. Should we tell students to come to class? Many would scream about transportation issues. Not everybody stays in Lagos. How do we include all of them? Do we shut down for six months or have a little inconvenience and keep learning going online?

“It was a decision we had to make. I cannot have the students resume to a pig sty while receiving lectures in the university,” she added.

Reiterating her stance, the Vice-Chancellor emphasised the importance of flexibility in Nigeria’s education system. “We recognize the challenges with data and infrastructure, but virtual learning is here to stay. It is not about choosing online over face-to-face entirely; it is about leveraging both to create an inclusive and sustainable educational future,“ she said.