Use of Technology for Supporting and Developing the National Open University of Nigeria

In a country with three million applicants every year, there is very high demand for university education. Conventional universities cannot cope with admission problems because they lack manpower and infrastructural facilities. One of the ways of solving this problem was the establishment of the National Open University of Nigeria. Coping with large population of students is not a problem in the National Open University of Nigeria because of the extensive use of information and communication technology (ICT) to reach learners even in remote locations. However, adequate measures need to be initiated so that more qualified technical staff are employed and basic infrastructure is put in place to cope with these challenges. Besides, it is suggested that students should be compelled to learn and compulsorily familiarize themselves with the use of computers and use of internet search engine regularly. Similarly, the university should upload more course materials promptly, produce more audio/video tapes and video compact disc for the students while radio and television should be utilised in providing both academic and administrative support for the students. Efforts should also be intensified on how to locate and attract professional organizations and individual experts in partnership for the advancement of using needed modern technology to support the university. Key Words: Synchronous Learning, Asynchronous Learning, On-Line Support, Student Counsellors, Customised Programmes