Author(s) :

COMFORT Asma’u Usman, PhD, ATADOGA Godwin Enemi, PhD.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Nigeria and the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Lagos Study Centre have faced several challenges such as inadequate study time, family responsibilities, and the difficulty of juggling multiple professional and academic roles simultaneously, which has negatively affected adult learners' academic performance and overall well-being. The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) initiated the enhancement of learning flexibility, promotion of effective time management, strengthening of institutional support services, and improvement of course design to address these challenges. This study examines whether the initiatives, strategies, and methods have successfully addressed the challenges. The target population are adult learners enrolled in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at NOUN Lagos Study Centre. The total population of the study is undetermined due to the large and dynamic nature of the student population. A sample size of 120 respondents was determined using the stratified random sampling technique. The study concluded that ODL significantly influences work-study balance among adult learners at NOUN Lagos Study Centre, with learning flexibility emerging as the strongest predictor, followed by course design, time management, and institutional support services. The study recommended, among other things, that the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) should further enhance and promote learning flexibility by expanding its digital learning infrastructure, providing more recorded lecture options, and ensuring that all course materials are accessible offline to accommodate adult learners with varying internet connectivity, as learning flexibility emerged as the strongest predictor of work-study balance. Additionally, NOUN should prioritize continuous improvement of course design by ensuring that all courses feature modular structures, clear learning objectives, flexible pacing, and accessible materials that accommodate the busy schedules of working adults. The university should also develop and implement structured time management workshops and orientation programs specifically designed for adult learners, and strengthen institutional support services including academic advising, responsive counselling, improved library access, and increased tutorial session availability. Keywords: Open and Distance Learning (ODL), Work–Study Balance, Adult Learners, Distance Education, Flexible Learning, Higher Education

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