Polishing the Thinking on the Role of Open and Distance Learning in Socio-Economic Development: Exposing the Missing Functions of Higher Education

Abstract

Open and Distance Learning universities have a missing mission if they fail to provide socio-economic development to all of society. Higher education is considered as the panacea to socio-economic development by nations, the world over. It brings to the individual mental treasure, knowledge and skills that are useful in the development of a country and hence, it is the bedrock to socio-economic development. The philosophy of ODL which include, among others, access, flexibility and free choice by learners is its competitive advantage and is the centrepiece of societal improvement. For socio-economic development to be achieved, large numbers of people in society, including women, have to be highly educated so as to capacitate them with knowledge of high standards of health, disease prevention, participation in political and economic activities, farming, self-reliance skills, among other things. ODL meets this role of equipping society with higher education knowledge and skills which are requisite for socio-economic development.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n11p177