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The observable positive contributions of distance education (DE) to national development cannot be overemphasised. However, the capacity for student retention and success in the DE institutions can be very challenging. This situation is perhaps an indication that the existing distance learning institutions may not have been giving adequate consideration to policies and management issues that actually affect learning outcomes. Accordingly, this study investigates the extent to which course materials and examination and record keeping are related to distance learners’ performance. The study adopts a survey research design using an ex-post facto method. A total of 1,200 distance learners were randomly selected from the Distance Learning Centre of the University of Ibadan. The data collected were analysed using percentages and inferential statistics of Pearson Moment Correlation and Multiple Regression. Four hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that there was a significant relationship between course materials and learners performance (.595<0.05). Again there was a high significant between Examination and Records Keeping (r = .459 ;< 0.05). Apart from these two key variables, other variables tested like student support services and information delivery patterns were all significant at (r =.620; <0.05) and (r =.487; <0.05) respectively. It is interesting to note that course materials made the greatest contribution on students’ performance as submitted by 43% of the respondents while 21% of the respondents submitted that examination and record keeping have the greatest contribution to students performance.
The study concludes that there is an observable correlation between these management variables and distance learners performance. It is therefore recommended that distance learning institutions should pay more attention to the provision of student services, relevant course materials and examination and record keeping among others.

Stream: Measuring Learning Outcomes

Paper: A paper has not yet been submitted.

Dr Femi Sunday Akinwumi is a seasoned scholar in the field of Educational Management. He specialises in Quality assurance and System control in Education. A lecturer at the Department of Educational Management, University of Ibadan. He is a consulting Editor to many learned journals. Dr Akinwumi has published textbooks and many journal articles in both local and international journals.He is presently consulting for World Bank, USAID, NIEPA, Nigeria and Universal Basic Education Board. He has attended a lot of learning international conferences.