Our Mission

To build and maintain a regional network of expertise in the West African sub-region that is highly proficient in the delivery of training, development, and practice-based research in ODeL.

Our Objectives

• To foster regional networking partnership and collaboration for delivery of ODL in the West African sub-region and beyond.
• To build the capacity of West African Higher Education Institutions in ODL by undertaking and promoting staff training and development in the regional countries of operation.
• To engage in and support systemic research activities in ODL to build and provide quality distance education in the West Africa sub-region and beyond.

Our Functions

• Training: undertake and promote staff training for capacity building in all aspects of ODeL and Technology Enabled Learning (TEL) among relevant parties/institutions.
• Research: : engage in, coordinate and support systemic and applied knowledge-based research in ODeL and TEL; disseminate research findings through the Institute’s flagship journal – West African Journal of Open and Flexible Learning (WAJOFEL); and provide a platform for the exchange of ideas and discourse on ODL through the RETRIDOL Monthly Discourse
• Academic programmes: offer professional certification in ODeL e.g. Postgraduate Diploma in Open and Distance Learning (PGDODL).
• Collaboration, networking and partnerships: establish and sustain intra- and inter-institutional communities of practice through seminars, workshops, conferences, and related engagements.