Study of the Challenges of Distance Learning in the National Open University of Nigeria’s South West Study Centres

The National Open University of Nigeria serves as the primary open and distance learning institution for Nigerian undergraduates, and examining the implementation challenges in its South West study centres provides evidence for improving open learning delivery. This study examined the challenges encountered by students at NOUN study centres in Ibadan, Abeokuta, and Ado-Ekiti in the South West geopolitical zone. A descriptive survey design was adopted, with questionnaires administered to 240 registered students (80 per centre). The instrument assessed challenges related to content access, tutor interaction, internet connectivity, assessment processes, and material quality. Results showed that 72.9 percent of respondents cited inconsistent internet access as the most severe challenge. Delayed course material delivery affected 58.3 percent of students. Tutor interaction quality was rated as satisfactory by only 37.1 percent. Face-to-face facilitation at study centres was insufficient for 63.3 percent who preferred more physical session frequency. Students with full-time employment showed the highest rates of study schedule conflicts with institutional requirements. The study concludes that distance learning delivery at NOUN South West centres is constrained by connectivity, material delivery, and tutoring quality challenges. Recommendations include NOUN-NCC internet access agreement for study centres, mobile-first content delivery development, increased tutor contact days, and a learning support companion programme pairing new students with experienced NOUN alumni.

Keywords: distance learning, National Open University, NOUN, South West Nigeria, open education