The University of Lagos Distance Learning Institute and Distance Learning Institute Alumni Association have awarded its best-graduating students of its 2023/2024 session.
During the award ceremony, the institute revealed that the initiative to award N50,000 to the best-graduating student from each of its five programs stemmed from its commitment to supporting and encouraging students in their pursuit of academic excellence.
The best-graduating students were, Innocent Edewede, Accounting; Biachi Ifeanyi, Business Administration; Nwachukwu Chidinma, Economics; Abazuonu Christiana, Education(Biology); Shepherd Kehinde, Public Administration; and Alabe Olamilekan, Best in Innovation Management.
Chairman of the DLI Alumni Association, Mr Olawoyin Oluwafemi, explained that the initiative was conceived to support students and foster a culture of excellence.
He also said that the graduating students were inducted into the institution’s alumni association.
“Today, we celebrate the achievements of our best graduating students and induct them as members of the DLI Alumni Association. We encourage them to give back to their alma mater by playing key roles in advancing the development of the institution and society at large,” Oluwafemi said.
Pioneer Chairman of the DLI, Dr Olusegun Adeleke, emphasised the institution’s commitment to sustainable development and the positive impact it seeks to make on Nigerian students and the nation.
He urged the government to take further action in creating conducive learning environments that would nurture creativity and innovation among students.
Adeleke further reflected on the history and growth of the DLI, noting that the Distance Learning Institute, initially known as the Correspondence and Open Studies Unit established in 1973, had evolved over the years to meet global standards in open and distance learning.
In 1997, following the Senate’s re-affirmation of its autonomy, the institution was restructured and renamed the Distance Learning Institute.
“The transformation of COSU into COSIT, and ultimately DLI, has been a significant milestone in enhancing the learning experience for our students. All former students of COSU, COSIT, and DLI are now part of the vibrant alumni community of this institution,” Adeleke said.
As the alumni association continues to grow, both Oluwafemi and Adeleke urged alumni to remain engaged and to contribute towards the continuous improvement of the institution.
“Let us all come together to ensure that our alma mater remains a beacon of academic excellence. We encourage all alumni to pay their annual dues to support the growth of the Distance Learning Institute,” they concluded.
