Inside the Hard Life of UI DLC Students: The Truth They Never Tell You!

This article exposes the untold struggles of University of Ibadan Distance Learning Centre (UI DLC) students—from overcrowded classes and delayed results to administrative neglect. Featuring testimony from 300-level student Aliyah Yusufu.

Introduction: The Silent Struggles of UI DLC Students

Despite being an integral part of the University of Ibadan, thousands of UI Distance Learning Centre (DLC) students continue to battle challenges that the public rarely hears about. Their struggles range from overcrowded classes, exorbitant charges, delayed results, to poor administrative responses.

One of the many students speaking out is Aliyah Yusufu, a 300-level learner who believes that UI DLC students are often treated with disregard.

“We Are Not Taken Seriously” — Aliyah Yusufu Speaks

According to Aliyah Yusufu, UI DLC students frequently face:

• Overcrowded and unconducive classrooms

• Persistent delays in the distribution of transcripts

• A compulsory ₦10,000 fee to access academic results

• Regular cancellation of scheduled classes due to the lecturer’s unavailability

Aliyah expressed deep frustration about the management’s response to student complaints.

“They are very harsh. They don’t consider students at all… They don’t take us seriously. They can just pack our scripts somewhere and mix them with other departments. We always complain, but they keep telling us to come back,”
— Aliyah Yusufu

She also highlighted the weak student leadership system. While each department has class representatives, the structure lacks the strength and influence needed to protect the interests of UI DLC students.

A Brief History of the UI Distance Learning Centre

The University of Ibadan’s journey into distance learning began in 1972, initially managed by the Department of Adult Education. After Senate approval in 1976, the centre expanded into the External Degrees Programme by 1988/89. In 2002, it officially became the UI Distance Learning Centre we know today.

Growth has been rapid:

• 1,300+ students in 2004

• Over 16,000 students by 2010

• Expansion across Social Sciences, Arts, Agriculture, Science, and more

The DLC currently operates from both the UI main campus and its Lagos centre, providing education to thousands of learners across Nigeria.

“We Are Limited” — Shehu Aminat Shares More Pain Points

Another 300-level student, Shehu Aminat, explained that UI DLC students face systemic restrictions not experienced by regular students.

One major issue is discrimination through matric numbers:

“Whenever we apply for a student loan, the system always says ‘invalid.’ Some students who can’t afford the fees eventually drop out because there is no student loan for them.”

Additional struggles include:

1. Constantly Delayed Results

Many students in the 500-level still struggle with unresolved 100-level results, missing CGPAs, and “awaiting results” displayed on their portal.

2. Poor Learning Environment

Lecturers frequently fail to show up for classes, leaving students confused and academically stranded.

3. Tight Academic Calendar

Students are forced to juggle both online and physical classes within an intense six-week period.

“The way they address regular students’ matters immediately, they should do the same for ours,” she said.

Deti: Exam Stress and Administrative Neglect

A third student, Deti, highlighted issues related to examinations:

• Clashing exam schedules

• Late notifications for CBT tests

• Malfunctioning CBT systems

• Overcrowded exam halls

• Poor response from the DLC office

“We don’t have access to our results. When we complain, we don’t get a timely response.”

The Inequality Gap: DLC vs. Regular Students

Despite paying higher fees, UI DLC students still lack many opportunities available to regular on-campus students.

In response, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, previously promised equal treatment:

“There will be no distinction between DLC students and their counterparts on the main campus.”

He assured that UI DLC students would enjoy the same quality of education, rights, and opportunities through UI’s Open Distance eLearning mode.

Yet, a year after these promises, inequality remains a major concern.

A Call for Fairness and Reform

The struggles of UI DLC students—from overcrowded classrooms to poor administrative treatment—cannot be ignored. These students deserve the same respect, opportunities, and support given to regular students.

Key demands include:

• Faster and transparent release of results

• Removal of unnecessary charges

• Proper student representation through a recognised Students’ Union

• Improved learning environments

• Better communication and accountability from the management

UI DLC students are not asking for too much—only fairness and dignity.

EDITOR’S WARNING:

The names of characters have been changed due to the University of Ibadan’s intolerance for dissent and freedom of expression.

Your voice matters! If you’re a UIDLC student or graduate, share your views in the comments below ↓↓↓

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Source: INDYPRESS UI