The Receptivity of Prospective University Candidates in Lagos Mainland Coaching Centres to Distance Learning: Implication for Enhancing Access to Higher Education in Nigeria

Abstract

This study explored the receptivity of prospective university candidates in Lagos State, Nigeria, to distance learning. The study population comprised 1155 secondary school leavers enrolled in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) coaching centres in Lagos Mainland. The study was carried out in two phases. In phase one, we gave a short sensitization talk on the benefits of distance learning and its potentials for ameliorating difficulties in gaining access to university education. Phase two involved short telephone conventions with 300 selected subjects who participated in phase one. They were simply asked to indicate whether, on the basis of their new awareness, they were willing/not willing to utilise the distance learning mode to access university education. The analysis and tests of hypotheses focused strictly on receptivity to distance learning in relation to age group, gender, marital status, number of years of graduation, quality of the senior secondary school certificate (SSSC), and number of times of JAMB attempt. There was a highly significant association between age, marital status and number of times of writing examination JAMB and receptivity to distance learning. It was concluded that the high receptivity to distance learning demonstrated by secondary school leavers has a great promise and challenge for widening access to university education in Nigeria.