CODL trains UNILORIN lecturers on AI-Driven courseware development
By Isaac Lewu
The Centre for Open and Distance Learning (CODL), University of Ilorin, has organised a three-day capacity-building workshop for lecturers involved in the CODL programmes, with a focus on developing high-quality courseware using Open Educational Resources (OER) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The three-day hybrid workshop, which was held at the Auditorium Basement last Tuesday (March 10, 2026) and simultaneously via Zoom, brought together lecturers and course ware developers from various Faculties to strengthen their competencies in designing effective learning materials for distance learners.
The training, themed “Designing High-Quality, OER-Aligned, AI-Enhanced Courseware for Open and Distance Learning,” was organised to enhance the quality, accessibility and global relevance of instructional materials used within the CODL system of the University.
In his opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, commended the Centre for organising what he described as a timely and forward-looking initiative aimed at strengthening the capacity of lecturers involved in courseware development.
Prof. Egbewole, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Taibat Mojisola Odunola-Bakare, noted that the workshop aligns with the University’s commitment to leveraging technology and innovation to expanding access to quality higher education through its Open and Distance Learning platform.
The Vice Chancellor urged participants to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the training towards improving the quality of instructional materials developed for distance learners.
The Vice Chancellor added that the effective integration of Open Educational Resources and Artificial Intelligence tools into course ware development would enhance teaching efficiency and ensure that the University’s courseware meets global standards in digital learning.
Prof. Egbewole also reaffirmed the commitment of the University Administration to supporting initiatives that strengthen the quality and accessibility of its academic programmes, expressing optimism that the training would further enhance the design of learner-centred course materials and promote the continued growth and global competitiveness of the University’s Open and Distance Learning programmes.
In her welcome address, the Director of the Centre for Open and Distance Learning, Prof. Modinah Adenike Oladayo Abdul-Raheem, explained that the workshop was organised to equip lecturers with the necessary knowledge and practical skills required to develop learner-centred instructional materials that meet international standards for online education.
Prof. Abdul-Raheem noted that the University remains committed to leveraging technology and open educational practices to expand access to quality higher education.
She added that the integration of Artificial Intelligence tools into courseware development would enhance efficiency while ensuring the maintenance of academic integrity.
Facilitators at the workshop included Dr Wale Koledafe, who delivered a session on “Open and Distance Learning Philosophy: An Introduction,” as well as Dr Deji Ajani and Mr Faith Ajani, who guided participants through a series of interactive sessions on the philosophy of Open and Distance Learning, the use of Open Educational Resources, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence tools in courseware development.
The first day of the programme focused on the foundations of Open and Distance Learning and Open Educational Resources, with participants exploring the evolution of distance education globally and in Nigeria, as well as key principles such as flexibility, accessibility and learner autonomy.
Participants also received practical guidance on identifying and integrating Open Educational Resources into course materials, including understanding the 5Rs of OER, Creative Commons licensing and strategies for evaluating credible open learning repositories.
The final sessions of the workshop focused on the practical application of Artificial Intelligence in courseware development.
Participants engaged in hands-on exercises involving the drafting of module introductions, the generation of assessment questions, identification of relevant OER materials and the integration of such materials into the University’s approved House Style using the 2.0 courseware template.
Present at the event were Deans, Heads of Departments and lecturers from various academic units of the University.
