IRI for nomads: A two-pronged ODL scheme for delivering basic education to nomads in Nigeria

M.I. Junaid, National Commission for Nomadic Education

Abstract
This paper reports on two distinct but related ways in which the National Commission for Nomadic Education (NCNE) is using ODL to deliver basic education to the nomads in Nigeria. On the one hand, for 10 years now the NCNE has been implementing an IRI program to address the needs of adult nomads who were earlier in their lives deprived of opportunities to go to school. On the other hand, following on the success of the adult-based program, a school-based child centered IRI was conceived in 2003 and is being implemented to reach nomadic children in their schools.

The paper describes the implementation models of these two radio-based basic education projects, including the provision of ICT infrastructure, curriculum development and training for teachers, as well as, the challenges that are faced. The two projects are used to illustrate how IRI can be used effectively to overcome barriers of access and equity and ensure that nomadic children and adults become educated in addition to improving the overall quality of NEP. In conclusion, drawing on experiences from these two projects, lessons for enhancing education through ICT are highlighted in the final section of the paper.

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