The Senate of the Federal University Dutse (FUD) has approved the establishment of a School for Continuing and Distance Learning Education (SCDLE) aimed at expanding access to higher education for working professionals and non-traditional students.
The decision was taken during a Senate meeting chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ahmed Muhammed Gumel.
According to a statement signed by Abdullahi Yahaya Bello, Director of Public Affairs, for the Registrar, the new school is designed to meet the growing demand for flexible learning opportunities, including access for international learners.
The statement noted that the initiative would provide alternative pathways for qualified applicants who are unable to secure admission into conventional full-time academic programmes.
Speaking on the development, the Vice-Chancellor said the global higher education system is rapidly evolving toward flexible and technology-driven learning models.
“The global landscape of higher education is undergoing a profound shift toward flexible, technology-based learning and FUD cannot afford to be left behind,” Gumel said.
He explained that the new school would focus on promoting digital literacy and professional development while also strengthening the institution’s internally generated revenue.
“By focusing on digital literacy and professional growth, the school aims to bridge the current access gap while diversifying the University’s internally generated revenue,” he added.
The Vice-Chancellor further disclosed that the School for Continuing and Distance Learning Education would adopt a multi-channel delivery approach to ensure academic quality regardless of students’ locations or schedules.
According to him, the continuing education component will cater to local professionals through face-to-face weekend and evening classes.
Gumel stated that the distance learning programme would offer a “borderless and 100 per cent digital experience,” with the entire learning process managed through a state-of-the-art Learning Management System (LMS).
He added that the institution would also operate a blended learning model, combining approximately 60 per cent online study with 40 per cent face-to-face intensive sessions.
The Vice-Chancellor said academic programmes under the school would be drawn from several faculties, including Agriculture, Computing and Management Sciences, stressing that the curriculum would maintain the same rigorous standards as conventional degree programmes of the university.
