E-Learning as an Alternative Platform for Enhancing Knowledge and Managerial Skills: Evidence from Ahmadu Bello University in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

The advancement in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has revolutionised activities across all facets of human endeavours including learning and management. e-learning is an evolving educational platform and the scheme like other ICT-inclined sectors is facing series and peculiar challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa. These challenges range from poor infrastructure, poor funding, poor/low oriented masses, inadequate government policies, poor infrastructure such as electricity, technological deficiency on the part of service providers among many others. Nevertheless, e-learning has proven to possess the capacity to offer an alternative learning environment to boost knowledge and by extension enhance managerial skills, especially for those whose job schedules offer them limited time to travel over some relatively long distances to acquire knowledge through the conventional system. Thus, using the Ahmadu Bello University Distance Learning Centre (ABU DLC) in Nigeria as a case study, the paper argues that, the prospects offered by the e-learning platform can improve on Nigeria’s educational sector and individual managerial skills as well as organisational outputs. Therefore, using primary and secondary/documentary information, the paper stresses that e-learning in Nigeria though challenging, can add value to both individuals and the country’s educational sector and by extension boost managerial skills. When adequate resources among others are committed and properly harness to e-learning, it can comfortably serve as an alternative platform for learning, especially for interested individuals as obtainable in advanced countries in the contemporary global society.