The Institute of Distance Learning (IDL) of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has held a strategic meeting with Heads of Department and Programme Coordinators to assess institutional progress and outline priorities for the 2026 academic year. 

At the meeting, the Director reaffirmed the Institute’s strategic direction, introduced newly appointed senior staff and provided an update on IDL’s academic portfolio.

The Institute currently runs 53 postgraduate programmes, 14 undergraduate programmes, seven diploma programmes and two short courses, with further expansion planned. 

Prof. Anthony Andrews, Director of IDL, said Management had reviewed progress under the 2024–2027 Strategic Plan, which is anchored on six thematic areas: human resource development, ICT and infrastructure enhancement, quality assurance, partnerships and visibility, resource mobilisation and governance. 

He announced a series of policy and operational decisions, including the introduction of a new IDL insurance scheme, the reintroduction of oral thesis examinations and a review of online learning materials.

Other measures include the standardisation of presentation templates, renewed accreditation efforts for science-based programmes and adjustments to mid-semester examinations and thesis phases. Diploma programmes, he said, will now be delivered through a blended learning mode. 

The new IDL Insurance Scheme was formally presented to participants during the meeting. 

The Deputy Director, Prof. Christopher Antwi emphasised the need to strengthen customer service and outlined measures to improve student support, including the use of recorded orientation sessions, updated student manuals, in-lecture orientation and improved communication channels. 

The meeting concluded with a review of the academic calendar and a commitment by management and academic leads to advance IDL’s strategic objectives and enhance student support services.