The Federal Polytechnic, Bali in Taraba State has officially launched its Open Distance Learning (ODL) Programme aimed at expanding educational opportunities for interested individuals.
The Programme will commence with Four courses namely, Accountancy, Public Administration, Business Administration and Business Management Technology and Computer Science Technology.
The launch of the programme was held on Thursday, 21st November 2024 at the Library Conference Hall of the Polytechnic.
Speaking at the event, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr Mohammed Usman stressed that the commencement of the Open Distance Learning Programme is a pivotal step towards equipping a broader segment of the population with the necessary skills and knowledge to enhance economic participation and personal development.
See also WACHEF, Action Aid Nigeria Train Taraba Communities on Participatory Methodology
The Rector was represented by the Deputy Rector, Engr. Sani Isa Abubakar.
Engr Sani Isa Abubakar
Dr Mohammed Usman described the programme as a significant milestone in the Polytechnic’s ongoing efforts to empower working individuals.
According to him, the initiative aligns with Federal Government guidelines, saying the institution is steadfast in its commitment to upholding high educational standards.
He therefore encouraged prospective students to fully embrace the opportunities provided by the ODL Programme.
Earlier in his remarks, the Director Academic Planning who is also the Director of Open Distance Learning, Dr. Yahaya Tukur, highlighted the core purpose of the initiative.
Dr Yahaya TukuTuk
He explained that the overall purpose of the programme is to make explicit commitment of Federal Polytechnic Bali in making education and skills acquisition opportunities accessible to all and sundry in the society who hitherto could not access it.
See also Ijesha hub trains 48 graduates in Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, others
He emphasized that the introduction of the Open Distance Flexible Learning will create pathways for individuals to enhance their professional skills, especially in response to emerging technologies and evolving workplace demands.
In addition, the programme will facilitate education for candidates residing far from the Polytechnic, which is situated at a considerable distance from the Taraba State capital, Jalingo.
Dr. Yahaya Tukur used the forum to encourage prospective students to apply for the two-year programme at the Polytechnic at the cost of .six thousand naira through the Polytechnic’s Consultancy Unit.
He announced that admission letters will be printed immediately upon application to suitable applicants, explaining further that the programme does not require candidates to take the JAMB examination to get admission.
The certificate to be obtained is a National Diploma equivalent to the one obtained from the regular programmes.
The Director also revealed that students who obtained HND will be regularized for enrollment into the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC.
Dr Yahaya Tukur said the Programme has a rich curriculum with the course materials in both hard copies and audio-visual contents.
Dr Florence Nnaji
Dr. Nnaji Florence,HOD OTM, who moved the vote of thanks, expressed gratitude to the Rector, management, and other staff for their unwavering support in bringing the programme to fruition.