This study examined the similarities and differences in the processes and facilities for distance education at National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), a single-mode distance learning institution, and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, a dual-mode distance learning institution. The study adopted a case study research design, with a population of administrators/facilitators and distance learning students at both NOUN and OAU. The sample for the study consisted of 38 key informants (30 administrators/facilitators and 8 students) selected using a purposive sampling technique. All the administrators/facilitators responded to a key informant questionnaire; 8 of the administrators/facilitators and all 8 students were also interviewed. The 16 interviewees were selected based on gender, institution, educational role, and mode of distance learning. The collected data were analysed using tabular juxtaposition and phenomenological analysis techniques. Results showed that similarities in the operational structures at NOUN and OAU included the use of blended learning approaches. Differences in operations included compulsory tutorial attendance at OAU and the deployment of part-time and quasi part-time facilitators at NOUN and OAU, respectively. The study recommended an increase in the use of information and communications technology (ICT).

In his theory of acceleration, Rosa (2013) describes how modern societies have recently been going through a severe change in temporalities. This new dynamic confronts providers in Adult Learning and Education (ALE) with the challenge to not only adapt to shifting temporalities regarding their own processes and structures but also to support learners in adapting to a new ‘pace of life’. One way of reacting to social acceleration can be considered flexibilisation. In our contribution, we compare ALE in Nigeria and Germany to investigate how social acceleration takes effect in both societies, what challenges result for ALE and how ALE providers react in terms of flexibilisation. By examining policy papers, recent empirical studies and data reports, we can show how shifts in temporalities cause similar challenges in both countries and that they appear as a driver for the flexibilisation of ALE.

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