E-LEARNING IN NIGERIAN HIGHER INSTITUTIONS: A PRECURSOR TO SUSTAINABLE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Education is a fundamental human right and the bedrock of any society. Education liberates, makes people make informed decision, and enhance general socio-economic development. However  due to  limited  environment  within  educational  institutions,  population  explosion and lack of commitment by government, literary level is low in most developing countries, Nigeria  inclusive. Most  students  seeking  admission  into higher  institutions  in Nigeria,  are turned down due to limited space with these institutions. Hence, Nigeria is left with high level of low literacy rate. E-learning is the intentional use of networked information and communication technology in teaching and learning, and is seen as the delivery of training and education through networked interactivity and distribution technologies. E-learning involves online learning, virtual learning, distributed learning and web-based learning. The aim of e-learning in higher education is to create a center and conducive environment where lecturers and students can interact through teaching and learning online by the web, internet etc. This learning strategy can be employed for open and distance learning between lecturers and students, thereby increase enrolment in higher educational institutions. With e-learning, more  student  within  and  outside  these  institutions can  become  more  educated  and  thus increase literacy level in the society. A highly educated society translates to highly productive society.   When   all   productive   sectors   of   an   economy   witness   a   qualitative   and qualitative increase  in output, the nation  can be said  to have experienced  socio-economic development. It was therefore recommended that government at all levels should reemphasis e-learning  in schools, provide e-libraries in various campuses,  towns/cities  and also train and retain teachers on computer and e-learning among others.