Combating HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Nigeria: Responses from National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)

Ambe-Uva Terhemba Nom

doi:10.19173/irrodl.v8i3.458

Abstract

Universities have come under serious attack because of their lackluster response to HIV/AIDS. This article examines the response of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and its strategic responses in combating HIV/AIDS epidemic. This is achieved by examining NOUN’s basic structures that position the University to respond to the epidemic; and second, by assessing HIV/AIDS strategies and policy framework the University has put in place. An interpretative epistemological stance was used for this study, and a qualitative research involving focus group discussion (FGD) and analysis of secondary data was carried out. Results showed that NOUN has identified the impact the epidemic has on the university, although it has yet to institutionalize an HIV/AIDS policy. NOUN’s Draft Service Charter, however, has identified the fight against HIV/AIDS as a core mandate of the University, and the introduction of HIV/AIDS certification programs can be viewed as proactive policies in response to the epidemic. Results of this study are discussed in terms of their relevance to future research and the impact such policy frameworks may have on combating the epidemic, both within the University and the wider community.

Highlights

The article is part of a larger endeavor, the aim that was to explore the response of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in combating the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) epidemic
As the HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to spread in Nigeria, the emerging literature on HIV and education seems to have reached the consensus that HIV/AIDS can both have a devastating impact on education and can be positively impacted by education
It has been shown that the capacity of open and distance learning to support largescale campaigns – i.e., HIV/AIDS education – is significant in the context of continuing education (UNESCO, 2002)

Summary

Introduction

The article is part of a larger endeavor, the aim that was to explore the response of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in combating the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) epidemic. The Aderinoye and Ojokheta study acknowledged that DE has helped individuals to acquire basic literacy and arithmetic skills, and in some instances, earn certificates in higher degrees, as well as obtain a multitude of broad-brush education skills that target whole populations (e.g., governance skills, life skills, AIDS education aimed at preventing and reducing its spread, improved farming techniques, etc.) It is in recognition of the above that the University of Ibadan (a dual mode university) was the first university in Nigeria to establish a Diploma program in HIV/AIDS Education at the Distance Learning Centre to assist in developing the capacity of workers on HIV prevention. Lincoln and Guba (1985) argue that the primary instrument in qualitative research is human – i.e., the researcher might pose certain problems in evaluating their study’s objectives as the ‘author.’ This situation is what B odker and Pedersen (1991) termed being a ‘cultural insider.’ by employing focus discussion groups and analyzing secondary data, it was determined that objectivity could be enhanced, because the focus of the research centered on the validity of the interpretation as distinct from qualitative research, which focus on questions and methods

Background to the Study

Findings

Conclusion