I chose distance learning due to financial difficulties in my family. My dad lost his job, and my mom became the primary breadwinner. Despite my frustration, I excelled in my JAMB exams and sought teaching jobs to support my family and fund my university education.

Distance learning is unfamiliar to many African parents and can be challenging, especially for those not tech-savvy. Nigeria’s technological infrastructure, including power supply and internet access, remains unreliable. Even as a tech-savvy individual, I faced difficulties. I missed classroom interactions and close-knit activities, as distance learning often meant reading handouts and visiting the school for inquiries, defeating the purpose.

Given my experience, I wouldn’t readily recommend distance learning in this context. Conventional classes provide a better learning experience, fostering interpersonal skills and teamwork, essential for communication and social skills development.

everything runs fine – until you need help. i had to leave after a “historic case of neglect” had been raised by DSA (disabled students allowance) and i have no good memories bar year one when we could travel to any uni – something they have now stopped but raised tuition. parabola to closure soon.

Pros:
– The OU was founded for remote students, so classes and student tools are well optimised.
– The OU has exclusive academic and co-production partnerships with the BBC and the UK’s Ministry of Defence.
– BA/BSc (Hons) Open or BSc (Hons) Combined STEM degree routes are perfect for those who want to explore course options before declaring a Major.
– Structural flexibility is a key offering, with 30 credit modules (of the 120 required for each year) usually having two entry points per calendar year.
– The Student Support Team is fantastic.

Cons:
– No “real” student experience due to the remote delivery.
– There aren’t many student societies, but this does offer more opportunities to create your own!

Key takeaway:
Though most employers welcome OU’s graduates, it can lack the prestige of some red-brick universities. Entry requirements are minimal, which is a double-edged sword. Applicants have more flexibility, but the intensity of some other university programs may push students further.

Whilst I studied for the Bachelor of laws hons degree I studied various modules which I thoroughly enjoyed. At times they were challenging, but law is a challenging subject so I did my best.
I really enjoyed how I was able to submit TMA’s online and just doing an exam at the end of the year. But the best part was distance learning, being able to learn at my own pace.
I had kids so this was perfect for me.
And today I can produly say I’m an Open University graduate.

My university gives me the option to still work full time and study part time. I have ample time to teach myself what is needed through self studying, and have huge support of my tutors as well. Highly recommend university.