UI removes admission quota barrier for distance learning candidates
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- The University of Ibadan (UI) is offering an alternative admission route through its Open, Distance and eLearning (ODeL) program to overcome limited physical space and admission quotas.
- This initiative provides a second chance for candidates who participated in the Post-UTME screening but were unsuccessful via conventional methods.
- The ODeL program features flexible virtual classes, mobile learning, and interactive materials, with graduates receiving the same UI degree as on-campus students.
The University of Ibadan (UI) has introduced its Open, Distance and eLearning (ODeL) program as a solution to the persistent challenges of limited admission quotas and inadequate physical campus space. This initiative aims to ensure that qualified candidates are not barred from obtaining a UI degree simply due to these constraints, offering them a viable alternative pathway.
The ODeL program is specifically designed to provide a second opportunity for candidates who underwent the university's Post-UTME screening but could not secure admission through the traditional face-to-face mode. The university has set a special application window for the 2025/2026 academic session, which closes on August 15, 2026, with classes for this cohort beginning on August 17, 2026.
The UI-ODeL programme provides flexible virtual classes with mobile learning, interactive course materials and physical revision sessions. Courses are taught by the same faculty lecturers who handle conventional programmes, and learners graduate with the same prestigious University of Ibadan degree.
Professor Olufade Onifade, Director of the UI Distance Learning Centre (DLC), highlighted that candidates who participated in the 2026 UI Post-UTME exercise are eligible for a free change-of-mode offer. This allows them to switch from the conventional on-campus option to the ODeL program at no additional cost. Fresh applications are also open for other qualified candidates interested in joining this special cohort.
Candidates who took the 2026 UI PUTME qualify for the free change-of-mode offer. Such candidates are required to visit the official change-of-mode application portal to switch their mode of study from the conventional on-campus option to the ODeL programme.
Onifade emphasized that the UI-ODeL program offers flexible virtual classes, mobile learning capabilities, and interactive course materials, supplemented by physical revision sessions. Crucially, courses are taught by the same faculty members who teach conventional programs, ensuring that learners graduate with the same prestigious University of Ibadan degree. A range of first-degree programs are available, including Computer Science, Statistics, Psychology, Economics, Political Science, Sociology, English, Communication and Language Arts, Educational Management, and Social Work.
With the August 15 deadline approaching, the university urges eligible candidates to act promptly. The DLC director stressed that available spaces in the ODeL program could be filled quickly, encouraging qualified applicants to submit their applications without delay to secure their place in this expanded educational opportunity.
Other interested candidates who are qualified may submit a fresh application for the special cohort. With the August 15 deadline fast approaching, the university encourages qualified candidates to act i
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Vanguard. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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