LASU Clarifies: Only 197 Courses Impacted by Online Shift

Lagos State University (LASU) has taken steps to clarify misunderstandings regarding its new blended learning policy, emphasizing that only ...

Lagos State University (LASU) has taken steps to clarify misunderstandings regarding its new blended learning policy, emphasizing that only a limited number of courses are involved and students are not being told to remain at home.

LASU has instructed that any courses with over 400 enrolled students will now be held online immediately, according to reasons including restricted lecture hall space and the university's efforts to modernize educational methods.

"this choice has become essential due to the present limitations caused by restricted physical classroom spaces and aligns with the university's digital transformation initiative, aimed at utilizing technology for more effective teaching and learning," an earlier report from The Guardian cited LASU as stating in a press release.

A statement released on Friday by Thomas-Onashile and Oluwayemisi A, Deputy Registrar and Coordinator of the Centre for Information and Public Relations at LASU, indicated that among the 4,095 courses available across its departments, only 197—mostly large lectures with more than 400 students enrolled—will be conducted mostly online.

In a message shared on the organization's official X platform, the administration characterized the action as a focused initiative aimed at improving the educational experience in large-enrollment classes while ensuring the continued standard of instruction.

The management of Lagos State University (LASU) has released a statement to address major misunderstandings about its newly updated blended learning policy.

Despite claims of a complete move to online education, the university confirms that only 197 out of 4,095 courses available throughout the institution are mainly conducted online.

"These are specifically large lectures with more than 400 students enrolled. This focused initiative aims to enhance the quality of the learning process for these courses with high enrollment and is part of a broader move toward contemporary, mixed teaching methods," the statement mentioned.

LASU stated that this change has no impact on the majority of classes, such as tutorials, seminars, laboratory exercises, and smaller courses, which will remain conducted in person.

Responding to recent publications, the institution cautioned against the spread of false information.

The story that students are being instructed to 'remain at home' for online classes is not accurate and is deceptive. This policy applies to fewer than 5% (approximately 197 courses out of 4095 total courses) of the university's overall course selections.

"The statement highlighted that students will continue to be fully involved in campus life, with access to libraries, labs, sports facilities, health services, and the complete range of in-person (physical) classes for most of their scheduled activities," it mentioned.

The institution added that its combined learning approach corresponds to global standards and the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) efforts to incorporate online education within Nigerian tertiary institutions.

In support of the initiative, LASU has enhanced its campus-wide Wi-Fi, created specialized ICT centers, and improved the on-campus electricity supply to reduce connection issues.

The combined learning approach is completely in line with the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) initiative to incorporate e-learning into the structure of Nigerian tertiary education.

"To guarantee that no student faces any disadvantage, LASU has invested considerably in support systems, such as enhanced campus-wide Wi-Fi, specialized ICT centers, and a stable on-campus electricity supply to address connectivity problems, along with various other efforts," the statement mentioned.

Deputy Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, stated that the policy represents a conscious, evidence-based academic choice.

"The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, emphasizes once again the university's dedication to openness. As an institution striving for excellence, we have a responsibility to implement creative teaching approaches that benefit our students," the statement mentioned.

The institution encouraged students and parents to use official sources for reliable details.

The administration also emphasized that the blended learning policy is a progressive approach designed to enhance the overall student experience and ensure the University remains aligned with international educational benchmarks.

This specific data-focused method for a limited number of our courses is a wise academic choice, not a managerial compromise. It enables us to make the most of our physical resources while equipping our students for the digital era.

"We urge our students and their parents to obtain reliable information via our official sources, and to perceive this policy not as a withdrawal from duty, but as a courageous move towards a stronger, more inclusive, and forward-thinking LASU," it stated.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).