Background - Over the past two decades, Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in West Africa has experienced significant growth. The establishment of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) marked a pivotal moment, leading to the emergence of numerous ODL higher education institutions. This expansion reflects broader acceptance and recognition of flexible learning modalities.

However, a critical gap exists in the absence of a comprehensive directory cataloguing institutions providing ODL programmes in the West African sub-region. This deficiency hinders easy access to vital information about available opportunities for prospective students, educators, and policymakers. As distance education continues to gain traction across the region, there is an urgent need to address this gap by developing a comprehensive and up-to-date directory of ODL institutions and programmes.

Objectives - The primary aim of this initiative is to develop a comprehensive and up-to-date directory of ODL institutions and programmes in the West African sub-region. The objectives include to: -Compile a comprehensive listing (meta-data) of ODL institutions operating within the West Africa sub-region -Document various programmes and courses, including levels of education (undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional development), accreditation status, and other relevant details.

Scope - The directory covers ODL institutions across six commonwealth West African countries – Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Togo.