As the landscape of education undergoes rapid transformation with the emergence of new open universities and innovative online learning platforms, Prof. Olufemi Peters, the Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), offers sage advice to well-established Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institutions. In his counsel, he emphasizes the importance of grounding these institutions in their experience and core principles of ODL to navigate the evolving educational paradigm.

Represented by Prof. Isaac Butswat, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Administration, Prof. Peters delivered his insights during the inauguration of a 2-day guest lecture and round-table discussion organized by the Regional Training Institute for Distance and Open Learning (RETRIDOL) in collaboration with the Africa Centre for Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning (ACETEL), commemorating RETRIDOL's 20th anniversary.

Acknowledging the presence of Professors Som Naidu and Carlos Pereira de Oliveira as distinguished guest lecturers and the gathering of attendees, Prof. Peters expresses his delight and anticipates engaging discussions about the role of distance learning in today's higher education landscape.

In recognizing the achievements of RETRIDOL and ACETEL, Prof. Peters commends both institutes for their efforts in building capacity for practice and research in Open and Distance Learning, as well as their endeavors in leveraging technology for educational advancement in the West African sub-region.

Amidst the evolving trends in contemporary ODL, Prof. Peters acknowledges the growing competition from new online learning platforms and emphasizes the need to strategize by leveraging the wealth of experience amassed over the years. He underscores the importance of training in the fundamentals of ODL theory and practice, especially in designing learning experiences in the face of diverse modern ODL forms, including online learning.

Former NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Emeritus Professor Olugbemiro Jegede, contributes a historical perspective, tracing the establishment of RETRIDOL. He highlights its journey from inception, driving forces, and goals, stressing the imperative for continuous progress. Jegede identifies the need to bridge the gap between intention and action, enhance capacity and capability, revisit strategic plans, overcome bureaucratic obstacles, increase advocacy, and prioritize training and research.

Prof. Christine Ofulue, RETRIDOL Director, welcomes participants and sheds light on the lecture's relevance, given the global pandemic's impact on higher education. She urges integrating technology thoughtfully to enhance teaching and learning quality.

RETRIDOL, founded in partnership between NOUN and the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), Canada, plays a pivotal role in building the capacity of higher education institutions for ODL. Through training, academic programs, and research, the institute fosters regional networking, partnerships, and collaboration, promoting ODL in the West African sub-region and beyond.

As the educational landscape continues to evolve, Prof. Peters' counsel resonates as a guiding light for established ODL institutions, urging them to draw strength from their core principles and experience to adapt and thrive in the face of emerging trends.