LASU debunks claims of full online shift, says only 197 courses affected

Lagos State University (LASU) has moved to address misconceptions about its recent blended learning policy, stressing that only a small fraction of courses are affected and students are not being instructed to stay at home.

LASU had directed that all courses with more than 400 registered students will be conducted virtually with immediate effect, citing limited lecture‑hall capacity and the institution’s push to digitise 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, which seeks to leverage technology for more efficient teaching and learning delivery,” an earlier report by The Guardian quoted LASU as saying in a statement.

In a statement issued on Friday by Thomas-Onashile and Oluwayemisi A, Deputy Registrar and Coordinator, Centre for Information and Public Relations, LASU, the university said that out of 4,095 courses offered across its faculties, only 197—primarily large lectures with enrolments exceeding 400 students—will be delivered mainly online.

In the statement which was posted on the institution’s official X page, the management described the measure as a targeted effort to enhance the learning experience in high-capacity courses while maintaining the overall quality of education.

“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 statement said.

LASU emphasised that the move does not affect the majority of classes, including tutorials, seminars, laboratory practicals, and smaller courses, which will continue as in-person sessions.

Addressing concerns raised by recent reports, the university warned against misinformation.

“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,” the statement noted.

The university further explained that its blended learning policy aligns with both international best practices and the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) drive to integrate e-learning into Nigerian higher education.

To support the initiative, LASU has upgraded its campus-wide Wi-Fi, established dedicated ICT hubs, and strengthened on-campus power supply to minimise connectivity challenges.

“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 statement noted.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, said the policy reflects a deliberate, data-driven academic decision.

“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,” the statement said.

The university urged students and parents to rely on official channels for accurate information.

The management also stressed that the blended learning policy is a forward-looking measure aimed at improving the overall student experience and ensuring the University keeps pace with global educational standards.

“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 optimise 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,” it said.