FUD Approves Hybrid Learning System Amid Rising Demand
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KANO — The Senate of the Federal University Dutse has approved the establishment of a School for Continuing and Distance Learning Education as part of efforts to expand access to higher education through flexible learning models.
The approval was granted during a Senate meeting chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ahmed Muhammed Gumel, according to a statement issued by the university’s Directorate of Public Affairs.
Professor Gumel said the new school was designed to respond to the growing demand for alternative learning opportunities among working professionals, non-traditional students and international learners. He noted that many qualified applicants often miss admission due to limited spaces in conventional programmes.
“The global landscape of higher education is undergoing a profound shift toward flexible, technology-based learning and FUD cannot afford to be left behind,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
He explained that the institution would adopt a hybrid learning system that combines online and physical learning sessions to give students greater flexibility without compromising academic quality.
According to him, the blended learning model will consist of about 60 percent online instruction and 40 percent face-to-face intensive contact sessions, while some programmes will run fully online through a Learning Management System.
Professor Gumel further disclosed that the school would also offer weekend and evening classes under its continuing education programme to accommodate local professionals seeking academic advancement alongside their jobs.
He added that courses would cut across several faculties, including Agriculture, Computing and Management Sciences, stressing that all programmes would maintain the same academic standards as the university’s conventional degree courses.
