Role of Open and Distance Learning to Human Capacity Development in Nigeria: Evidence from LAUTECH Open and Distance Learning Centre

The study revealed the impact of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) on human capacity development in Nigeria. Taking the case of all degree programs of the LAUTECH Open and Distance Learning Centre (LODLC), this paper examined the effectiveness of the programs towards professional competence among learners who enrolled in a degree programs of LODLC. It also assessed the level of self-esteem among learners who enrolled in a degree program of LODLC. Descriptive statistics were used as the research design, and 4,568 learners of LODLC were the population of the study. The results of the study indicated that the overall percentage of 85% of respondents had built professional competencies through the ODL programs in comparison, 82% of the respondents were satisfied and proud to be studying via ODL mode. It can be concluded that ODL has contributed immensely to human capacity development of the learners who enrolled for degree programs through its flexibility of the facilitation and teaching system adopted by LODLC, the convenience of teaching time and low charges have continued to attract a lot of learners and most of the learners look forward to a better future in life. Therefore, it is recommended that all workingclass persons should leverage on ODL programs as a means to upgrade their professional competencies for the benefit and growth of their careers and the society should rest assured of the high credibility of regulated and well developed ODL system as an avenue for the development of human capacity and to take advantage of ODL programs.