The attention of the Lagos State University (LASU) Management has been drawn to a recent publication titled “Assessing LASU’s Online Classes Directive”, which presents a one-sided and, in many respects, misleading narrative about the university’s recent decision to transition large-capacity classes to virtual platforms.
The Lagos State University (LASU) Management hereby issues a clarification to correct significant misinformation circulating regarding its recently enhanced blended learning policy. Contrary to reports suggesting a full shift to online learning, the University affirms that only 197 out of a total of 4,095 courses offered across the institution are delivered primarily online. These are specifically large lectures with enrolments exceeding 400 students.
This targeted measure is designed to improve the quality of the learning experience for these high-enrolment courses and forms part of a strategic shift towards modern, blended pedagogy. The vast majority of tutorials, seminars, laboratory practicals, and smaller courses will continue as in-person sessions, and students are expected to be on campus for the core of their academic activities.
The University’s management regrets the concern caused by the mischaracterization of the blended learning policy. The directive is a focused effort to manage large classes more effectively, a common challenge for leading universities in Nigeria and to ensure ease of learning.
The narrative that students are being told to ‘stay at home’ for online classes is factually incorrect and misleading. This policy affects less than 5% (about 197 courses out of 4095 courses offered) of the University’s total course offerings. Students are, and will remain fully engaged in campus life, with access to libraries, laboratories, sporting facilities, medical facilities, and the full spectrum of face-to-face (physical) teaching for the overwhelming majority of their timetabled activities.
This approach is consistent with practices at other forward-looking international and national universities, which similarly use digital platforms to supplement and enhance the delivery of content for large classes.
The blended learning policy is fully aligned with the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) drive to integrate e-learning into the fabric of Nigerian higher education. To ensure no student is disadvantaged, LASU has made significant investments in support infrastructure, including upgraded campus-wide Wi-Fi, dedicated ICT hubs, and a reliable on-campus power supply to mitigate connectivity issues, among other initiatives.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, hereby reiterates the University’s commitment to transparency, as a University committed to excellence, we are duty-bound to adopt innovative teaching methods that serve our students best.
This precise data-driven approach for a small subset of our courses is a prudent academic decision, not an administrative shortcut. It allows us to optimize our physical resources while preparing our students for the digital world. We encourage our students and parents to seek accurate information through our official channels, and to view this policy not as a retreat from responsibility, but as a bold step toward a more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready LASU.
We are LASU, We are Great!
_Signed_
Thomas-Onashile, Oluwayemisi A.
Deputy Registrar/Coordinator,
Centre for Information and Public Relations, Lagos State University
Friday, 14th November 2025
