Lagos State University (LASU), Nigeria’s leading state-owned institution, has firmly debunked rumors of a full transition to online learning, clarifying that only 179 courses are affected.
Established in 1983 by former Governor Lateef Jakande, LASU now serves over 35,000 students across multiple campuses in Ojo, Ikeja, and Epe, offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma programs in fields ranging from engineering and medicine to law and social sciences.
In an official statement released on Friday and shared via its verified X (formerly Twitter) account, LASU revealed that out of 4,095 courses offered university-wide, only 197 — specifically large lectures with more than 400 registered students — will be delivered primarily online. This targeted measure addresses critical infrastructure constraints, particularly the limited capacity of physical lecture halls, which have struggled to accommodate growing enrollment.
The policy, effective immediately, is part of LASU’s strategic digital transformation agenda aimed at modernizing academic delivery. “This decision has become necessary in view of the current constraints posed by limited physical lecture room capacities and is in line with the university’s digitalisation drive,” the administration explained, emphasizing that the shift enhances efficiency without compromising educational quality.
Contrary to circulating misinformation suggesting students must “stay at home,” LASU stressed that the policy impacts less than 5% of total courses. The vast majority — including tutorials, seminars, laboratory practicals, and smaller classes — will continue in person. Students retain full access to campus facilities such as libraries, ICT centers, sports complexes, medical services, and face-to-face instruction for most of their schedules.
A Step Toward Future-Ready Education
The university’s leadership, led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello — the first woman to hold the position since 2021 — described the initiative as a data-driven, forward-thinking reform. A distinguished scholar with degrees in Physiology from the University of Ibadan and national honors including NPOM and mni, Prof. Olatunji-Bello reaffirmed LASU’s commitment to excellence through innovation.
To ensure seamless implementation, LASU has invested heavily in supporting infrastructure. Upgrades include expanded campus-wide Wi-Fi, new dedicated ICT hubs with high-speed computers, and improved on-site power generation to reduce connectivity disruptions — a common challenge in Nigeria’s higher education sector.
The policy aligns with national guidelines from the National Universities Commission (NUC), which has actively promoted blended learning since 2021 through initiatives like the Partnership for Enhanced and Blended Learning (PEBL) West Africa. The NUC’s 2023 e-Learning Guidelines encourage universities to integrate digital platforms while preserving in-person engagement, a model LASU has adopted with precision.
By focusing virtual delivery on high-enrollment foundational courses, LASU aims to reduce overcrowding, enhance interaction in smaller sessions, and prepare students for a digital economy. The administration urged the public to rely solely on official channels for updates and warned against the spread of misleading narratives.
As Nigerian universities embrace hybrid models to improve access, equity, and global competitiveness, LASU’s measured approach positions it as a pioneer in sustainable educational reform. For its diverse student body, the policy promises a balanced, future-ready learning experience that combines tradition with technology.