Instructor Terms
Last Updated: March 22, 2025.
These Instructor Terms (“Terms”) outline the rules, rights, and responsibilities of instructors who create and deliver courses on the Abia State University E-Learning Platform (“Platform”). By using the Platform as an instructor, you agree to comply with these terms in addition to the General Terms of Service and other policies governing the Platform.
Table of Contents
- 1. Instructor Eligibility & Obligations
- 2. Course Ownership & Licensing
- 3. Compensation & Payment
- 4. Course Quality & Student Experience
- 5. Intellectual Property & Content Protection
- 6. Trust & safety
- 7. Pricing
- 8. Trade marks
- 9. Deleting your account
- 10. Miscellaneous legal terms
- 11. Termination & Policy Violations
- 12. Updates
1. Instructor Eligibility & Obligations
1.1 Eligibility
To qualify as an instructor on the Abia State University E-Learning Platform, you must:
Be a current lecturer or academic staff at Abia State University.
Have the university’s approval to develop and teach online courses.
Adhere to the academic and ethical standards set by the university.
1.2 Course Content & Curriculum Alignment
Course materials must align with the university’s curriculum and maintain high academic standards.
Content should be accurate, well-structured, and engaging for students.
Instructors must update course materials periodically to reflect new developments in the subject.
1.3 Compliance & Conduct
Instructors must comply with:
The university’s policies on teaching and content delivery.
Intellectual property laws to ensure all materials used are properly licensed.
Data protection regulations, ensuring student data privacy and confidentiality.
Instructors must not engage in misconduct such as:
Plagiarism or unauthorized use of copyrighted materials.
Discriminatory, offensive, or misleading content.
Sharing course content outside the platform without approval.
1.4 Student Engagement & Support
Instructors should provide timely and constructive feedback on assignments.
They should actively engage with students through Q&A sessions, discussion forums, and interactive activities.
Instructors are expected to respond to student inquiries within a reasonable timeframe.
1.5 Assessment & Grading
Instructors must design fair and transparent assessments aligned with course objectives.
Grading should be conducted with academic integrity and proper documentation.
Students must be provided with clear grading criteria and feedback on their performance.
2. Course Ownership & Licensing
2.1 Ownership of Course Content
ABSU retain full ownership of the intellectual property (IP) rights to the course content created by the instructor, including lecture materials, presentations, notes, videos, and any other resources provided through the Abia State University E-Learning Platform.
However, by submitting your course materials to the platform, you grant Abia State University a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, and transferable license to use, distribute, display, and promote the course content for the purpose of hosting and delivering the course to students.
This license allows the university to:
Host, distribute, and display the course on the platform.
Promote and market the course to students.
Modify or adapt the course content for compatibility with the platform, provided the modifications do not alter the educational intent or integrity of the original material.
2.2 Licensing for Third-Party Content
If instructors include third-party content (e.g., books, images, videos, or software) in their courses, they must ensure they have the appropriate licenses or rights to use such content.
Instructors are responsible for obtaining and maintaining the necessary licenses and permissions for any third-party content. The university does not provide such rights for third-party materials, and instructors must handle all licensing issues independently.
2.3 License Duration
The license granted to Abia State University remains in effect as long as the course is offered on the platform unless the university terminates the course.
Instructors cannot request the removal of their course from the platform. the university retain access to content that has already been publish in the platform, distributed or downloaded by students.
2.4 Course Modification and Updates
Instructors are encouraged to update and improve their courses regularly to ensure the materials remain accurate and relevant.
The university reserves the right to remove or disable access to courses that do not meet current academic standards or violate platform policies.
2. Course Ownership & Licensing
2.1 Ownership of Course Content
All courses, including lecture materials, presentations, notes, videos, assessments, and any other resources created and uploaded to the Abia State University E-Learning Platform, are the sole property of Abia State University.
By submitting course content to the platform, instructors acknowledge and agree that full intellectual property rights to the content are automatically transferred to Abia State University.
The university has exclusive, worldwide, perpetual, and royalty-free rights to use, modify, distribute, reproduce, display, sublicense, and adapt the course content in any format or medium.
2.2 Restrictions on Instructors
Instructors cannot claim ownership of the course materials once uploaded to the platform.
Instructors may not copy, distribute, sell, or use the content outside the Abia State University E-Learning Platform without prior written permission from the university.
Any attempts to repurpose, reproduce, or redistribute course materials for personal, commercial, or third-party use are strictly prohibited and may result in legal action.
2.3 Use of Third-Party Content
If an instructor incorporates third-party content (e.g., books, images, videos, or software) into a course, they must first obtain written permission or a license transfer allowing Abia State University to retain full rights to that content.
The university reserves the right to reject or remove any content that infringes on third-party copyrights or fails to comply with licensing requirements.
2.4 Modification and Adaptation Rights
The university has the right to modify, update, and adapt courses to align with academic standards, technological advancements, and institutional policies.
Courses may be edited, reformatted, or combined with other courses to enhance their effectiveness.
Instructors are required to comply with any requests for updates or revisions as directed by the university.
2.5 Course Removal and Retention
Abia State University reserves the right to remove, discontinue, or archive courses at its sole discretion.
Even if a course is removed from active enrollment, the university may retain and repurpose the content for future academic use, research, or institutional development.
2.6 Instructor’s Obligations
By contributing content, instructors acknowledge that they are creating materials for the exclusive use of the university and have no ownership rights over the courses.
Any disputes regarding course ownership will be resolved in favor of Abia State University, as outlined in the Intellectual Property Policy and Institutional Guidelines.
3. Compensation & Payment
3.1 Revenue Share
Instructors on the Abia State University E-Learning Platform are compensated based on a structured revenue-sharing model. The revenue from student enrollments in each course is distributed as follows:
25% to the instructor(s) currently assigned to the course.
25% to the university for administrative and operational costs.
50% allocated for platform maintenance and updates to ensure continuous improvement of the e-learning system.
Only lecturers currently handling the course are eligible for compensation. Past instructors or external contributors do not receive payments.
3.2 Receiving Payments
Payments are processed weekly or according to the university’s official disbursement schedule.
Payments are made via direct bank transfer or other university-approved payment methods.
The university will deduct any applicable taxes as required by law before disbursement.
3.3 Refunds & Payment Adjustments
If students receive refunds for a course, the instructor’s share will be adjusted accordingly.
The university may withhold or adjust payments in cases of violations, misconduct, or failure to meet course obligations.
3.4 Payment Eligibility & Restrictions
Only instructors actively teaching the course at the time of revenue generation are eligible for the 25% share.
Payments are non-transferable to co-instructors, assistants, or third parties unless officially approved by the university.
Instructors must ensure that their banking and tax details are accurate to avoid payment delays.
3.5 Payment Disputes
Any disputes regarding payments must be submitted in writing to the university within 3 days of the payment date.
The university will review all disputes, but final payment decisions rest with the institution.
3.6 Changes to Payment Structure
The university reserves the right to modify the revenue-sharing structure or payment terms with prior notice to instructors.
Any changes to compensation policies will be communicated through official university channels.
4. Course Quality & Student Experience
4.1 University Standards for Course Quality
All courses on the Abia State University E-Learning Platform must meet the university’s academic and quality assurance standards. Instructors are responsible for:
Providing comprehensive course materials in text, slides, or other approved formats that align with the university’s curriculum.
Ensuring the content is accurate, well-structured, and up-to-date to reflect current academic knowledge and best practices.
Clearly defining learning objectives, lesson structures, and assessment criteria for student success.
The university reserves the right to modify or enhance submitted materials before publication to ensure consistency and compliance with e-learning best practices.
4.2 Conversion to Animated Video Courses
Once an instructor submits course materials, the university will convert them into professionally animated video courses. This process includes:
Scripting & Voiceover Production: The university ensures a structured narrative and high-quality voiceovers.
Visual & Animation Design: Professional animation enhances student engagement and understanding.
Interactive Elements: Courses may include quizzes, simulations, and assessments to improve learning outcomes.
This approach maintains uniform quality and branding across all university e-learning content.
4.3 Instructor Responsibilities for Student Experience
Instructors are expected to actively support students by:
Responding to student questions and providing academic guidance.
Monitoring student progress and engagement through the platform’s analytics.
Participating in course updates and feedback-based improvements when necessary.
Failure to engage with students may result in removal from the platform or reassignment of the course.
4.4 Course Review & Continuous Improvement
The university will conduct regular evaluations to ensure content effectiveness. Reviews may include:
Student feedback surveys to assess learning satisfaction.
Completion rates & engagement metrics to track performance.
Faculty evaluations to maintain academic integrity.
Instructors may be required to collaborate on updates or revisions when necessary.
4.5 Compliance with University Policies
All courses must comply with:
Academic integrity guidelines (no plagiarism, misinformation, or unethical content).
Ethical and diversity standards, ensuring inclusivity for all students.
Accessibility requirements, making courses user-friendly for students with disabilities.
4.6 Consequences for Non-Compliance
If an instructor’s content fails to meet quality or policy standards, the university may:
Request revisions and improvements.
Suspend or remove non-compliant courses.
Reassign courses to other instructors.
Reduce or withhold instructor compensation for low-quality content.
4.7 Instructor Development & Training
The university may offer training sessions and workshops to help instructors improve their course design skills and align with e-learning best practices. Participation is encouraged to enhance teaching effectiveness.
5. Intellectual Property & Content Protection
5.1 University Ownership of Course Content
All course materials submitted by instructors, including lecture notes, presentations, research materials, and assessments, become the intellectual property of Abia State University once they are uploaded to the e-learning platform. The university holds exclusive rights to modify, distribute, and commercialize the content as part of its e-learning initiatives.
Instructors grant the university a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, and exclusive license to use, edit, and distribute the materials in any format, including but not limited to video, text, and interactive modules.
The university has the sole right to convert, animate, and enhance the content into high-quality digital courses.
Instructors cannot republish, resell, or distribute the course content outside the platform without explicit written permission from the university.
5.2 Protection Against Unauthorized Use
The university employs digital rights management (DRM) and security measures to prevent unauthorized distribution of course content. Protection measures include:
Watermarking and Encryption: Video courses and documents are secured with encryption to prevent piracy.
Access Control: Only verified and enrolled students can access courses.
Automated Monitoring: The platform continuously scans for unauthorized sharing or downloads.
Legal Action: The university reserves the right to take legal action against individuals or organizations that attempt to copy, distribute, or misuse course content without permission.
5.3 Instructor’s Limited Rights
Although instructors contribute to course content, their rights are limited to:
Using the course materials for personal academic reference but not for distribution.
Listing their role as course creators on professional profiles (e.g., LinkedIn, CVs).
Collaborating with the university on updates and improvements but not claiming ownership.
5.4 Restrictions on Third-Party Use
No third party may modify, reproduce, or distribute university-owned courses without authorization.
If external organizations or platforms wish to use course content, they must enter into a formal licensing agreement with the university.
Instructors cannot repurpose the same course for other institutions or online platforms.
5.5 Consequences of Intellectual Property Violations
If an instructor, student, or third party is found violating the university’s intellectual property rights, the following actions may be taken:
Content removal from the platform.
Termination of instructor agreements for unauthorized content usage.
Legal prosecution for copyright infringement.
Revocation of user access for those found engaging in unauthorized content sharing.
5.6 Protection of Instructor Contributions
While the university retains ownership of all course materials, instructors are credited for their contributions. The university ensures that:
Instructors’ names remain associated with the courses they developed.
Course materials undergo quality assurance and improvements while maintaining the instructor’s original intent.
5.7 Updates to Intellectual Property Terms
The university reserves the right to modify its intellectual property policies based on legal, technological, or operational requirements. Instructors will be notified of any significant changes, and continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of updated terms.
6. Trust & Safety
Abia State University is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and high-quality learning environment for all users. The following policies ensure the integrity of the platform, protect students and instructors, and uphold academic excellence.
6.1 Academic Integrity & Ethical Conduct
All users, including instructors and students, must adhere to the university’s academic integrity standards. Violations include:
Plagiarism: Copying or using another person’s work without proper citation.
Cheating: Unauthorized collaboration, sharing answers, or using unauthorized materials during assessments.
False Information: Misrepresenting qualifications, submitting fraudulent assignments, or providing misleading content.
Impersonation: Attempting to access courses or complete assessments on behalf of another individual.
Violators may face disciplinary actions, including content removal, account suspension, academic penalties, or legal consequences.
6.2 Instructor & Student Conduct
All instructors and students must follow ethical guidelines, including:
Respectful Communication: No hate speech, discrimination, harassment, or inappropriate language.
Safe Learning Environment: No bullying, threats, or offensive behavior.
Privacy Protection: No sharing of personal or confidential information about students or instructors without consent.
No Unauthorized Course Sharing: Students must not distribute or sell course materials outside the platform.
Failure to comply with these standards may result in warnings, restricted access, or permanent removal from the platform.
6.3 Prohibited Content
The following types of content are strictly prohibited on the e-learning platform:
Misinformation & False Claims: Courses must be based on factual, academically sound information.
Harmful or Illegal Content: No content that promotes violence, illegal activities, or self-harm.
Inappropriate or Adult Content: All course materials must maintain professional and academic standards.
Third-Party Copyrighted Content: Instructors must not upload copyrighted material without proper authorization.
If prohibited content is detected, the university reserves the right to remove courses, restrict instructor access, and pursue legal action if necessary.
6.4 Reporting Violations & Complaints
Users can report violations through the platform’s Trust & Safety Complaint System.
Reports may be submitted anonymously if necessary.
The university will investigate complaints within 10 business days and take appropriate action.
If an instructor, student, or external party is found violating policies, penalties may include content removal, loss of platform access, or academic/legal action.
6.5 Protection Against Fraud & Abuse
The university implements strict fraud detection systems to prevent:
Fake student enrollments or misuse of platform services.
Instructors or users attempting to manipulate course ratings or reviews.
Unauthorized resale or redistribution of university-owned content.
Users found engaging in fraudulent activities will face permanent account suspension and possible legal action.
6.6 Child Safety & Sensitive Content
All content on the platform must be appropriate for an academic setting.
Instructors must ensure that course materials are age-appropriate for university students.
No content should exploit, endanger, or harm minors in any way.
The platform complies with child protection and data privacy regulations.
Any content or behavior violating these policies will be immediately removed, and appropriate legal action may be taken.
6.7 Trust & Safety Updates
The university reserves the right to update Trust & Safety policies based on:
Changes in legal and regulatory requirements.
Technological advancements in fraud detection and security.
Feedback from students and instructors to improve platform integrity.
All users will be notified of any major changes, and continued use of the platform implies acceptance of the updated policies.
7. Pricing
Abia State University’s e-learning platform follows a structured pricing model that ensures affordability, transparency, and sustainability while maintaining high-quality educational content.
7.1 Course Pricing Structure
The university determines the price of all courses, considering:
The complexity and academic value of the course.
The cost of production, including animation, technology, and instructor compensation.
The affordability for students to ensure accessibility.
Competitive pricing compared to similar academic offerings.
Instructors do not set prices for their courses, as all course materials belong to the university.
7.2 Revenue Distribution
Revenue from course enrollments is distributed as follows:
25% to the instructor(s) currently handling the course at the university.
25% to the university for platform operations and development.
50% allocated strictly for platform maintenance and content updates.
Only active lecturers assigned to the course by the university receive instructor payments. If an instructor is no longer assigned to a course, they do not receive further compensation.
7.3 Discounts & Financial Aid
To make learning more accessible, the university may:
Offer discounts or promotional pricing on courses.
Implement bulk pricing for institutional partnerships.
Discounted courses will not affect the percentage allocation for revenue distribution, but promotional discounts may temporarily reduce the total earnings per enrollment.
7.4 Subscription Model (If Applicable)
The university may introduce a subscription-based learning model in the future, where students pay a fixed fee for unlimited access to a selection of courses. If implemented:
Revenue from subscriptions will be distributed based on course engagement.
The university will determine a fair and balanced payment structure for instructors.
7.5 Refund Policy
To protect student satisfaction while maintaining fairness, the platform follows a strict refund policy:
Students may request a refund within 48 Hours of enrollment, provided they have completed less than 2% of the course.
Refund requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis to prevent abuse.
Once a refund is issued, the student will lose access to the course.
Refunded enrollments do not contribute to instructor compensation.
7.6 Free & Sponsored Courses
Some courses may be made available for free through:
University-sponsored programs.
Government or corporate partnerships.
Special initiatives for low-income students.
Instructors will be informed in advance if their courses are included in such programs, and compensation may be adjusted accordingly.
7.7 Pricing Adjustments & Updates
The university reserves the right to update pricing policies based on:
Market trends and competitive benchmarking.
Operational costs and platform maintenance needs.
Student demand and enrollment patterns.
Users will be notified of any major pricing changes before they take effect.
7.8 Pricing Dispute Resolution
Instructors who have concerns about pricing, revenue distribution, or payment discrepancies can follow the structured dispute resolution process below:
Step 1: Initial Inquiry
Instructors can submit a formal request through the university’s e-learning platform support system.
The request must include:
Course title and relevant details.
A clear description of the pricing or payment concern.
Supporting evidence, such as payment records or discrepancies.
Step 2: Review & Investigation
The university’s E-Learning Finance & Compliance Team will review the request within 10 business days.
During this period, the team may:
Verify payment records.
Check course engagement metrics.
Consult with the instructor and relevant departments.
Step 3: Resolution & Decision
If an error is found, corrective action will be taken, such as adjusting future payments.
If the concern is related to pricing policy, the instructor will receive a formal explanation.
If the dispute is not resolved, the instructor may appeal for further review.
Step 4: Appeals Process
Instructors dissatisfied with the initial resolution may submit an appeal within 5 business days of the decision.
A senior panel of university representatives will review the appeal and provide a final decision within 15 business days.
All final decisions will be communicated in writing, and further appeals will not be entertained.
8. Trademarks
8.1 University-Owned Trademarks
All trademarks, logos, and branding elements associated with the Abia State University E-Learning Platform (the “University”) are the exclusive property of the University. This includes, but is not limited to:
The University’s name and logo.
Course and program titles designated by the University.
Any unique branding, slogans, or identifiers used within the e-learning platform.
Instructors, students, and third parties are prohibited from using these trademarks without prior written authorization from the University. Unauthorized use may result in legal action.
8.2 Instructor & Third-Party Trademarks
If an instructor, guest lecturer, or third party includes trademarks or copyrighted material in their course content, they must:
Ensure they have the legal right to use such trademarks.
Not misrepresent any affiliation with the trademark owner.
Provide proper attribution where necessary.
The University reserves the right to remove any content that infringes upon third-party trademarks.
8.3 Trademark Violations & Enforcement
The University actively monitors the use of its trademarks. Violations include:
Misusing the University’s name in unauthorized marketing materials.
Creating misleading courses that imply University endorsement.
Using University branding for personal or commercial gain.
Violations will be subject to disciplinary action, including course removal, suspension, or legal consequences.
8.4 Reporting Trademark Infringement
If you believe your trademark is being used improperly on the University’s e-learning platform, you may submit a Trademark Complaint with the following details:
Your full name and contact information.
The registered trademark details.
A description of the unauthorized use.
Supporting evidence (e.g., screenshots, registration documents).
Reports can be sent to the University’s Intellectual Property Office for review. Verified claims will result in corrective action, including content removal or account suspension.
9. Deleting Your Account
9.1 Account Deletion Process
If you wish to delete your Abia State University E-Learning Platform account, you may submit a deletion request through your account settings or contact our Support Team. The University will process your request within a reasonable timeframe, subject to the conditions outlined in this policy.
9.2 Data Retention After Account Deletion
Upon deletion of your account:
Your personal information will be removed from active databases.
Course enrollment records, certificates, and academic history may be retained for legal, accreditation, and administrative purposes.
Course materials you contributed (if you were an instructor) will remain the property of the University and will not be deleted.
9.3 Restrictions on Account Deletion
Your account cannot be deleted immediately if:
You have pending financial transactions (e.g., unpaid fees or outstanding earnings).
You are currently enrolled in an ongoing course or examination.
You are under investigation for violations of the University’s policies.
The University is required to retain your data due to legal or regulatory obligations.
9.4 Consequences of Account Deletion
Once your account is deleted:
You will lose access to all enrolled courses, certificates, and academic records.
You will not be eligible for refunds on any purchases made before deletion.
If you wish to use the platform again, you will need to create a new account (your previous data will not be restored).
9.5 Requesting Account Restoration
If you accidentally delete your account, you may request recovery within 30 days by contacting support. However, restoration is not guaranteed, and some data may not be retrievable.
10. Miscellaneous Legal Terms
10.1 Binding Agreement
By using the Abia State University E-Learning Platform, you acknowledge that you are entering into a legally binding agreement with the University. If you do not agree to these terms, you must discontinue use of the platform.
If you are using the platform on behalf of an institution, organization, or government entity, you represent that you have the legal authority to do so.
10.2 No Waiver
Failure by the University to enforce any provision of these Terms does not constitute a waiver of its rights. If the University chooses not to act in response to a violation, it reserves the right to enforce these Terms at any later time.
10.3 Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect. The invalid provision will be replaced with a valid one that most closely aligns with the intent of the original provision.
10.4 Governing Law & Jurisdiction
These Terms are governed by the laws of Nigeria, and any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of Nigerian courts.
10.5 Survival of Terms
Certain provisions of these Terms will continue to apply even after account deletion, contract termination, or discontinuation of services. These include:
Course Ownership & Licensing (Section 2)
Compensation & Payment (Section 3)
Intellectual Property & Content Protection (Section 5)
Privacy Policy Provisions
Dispute Resolution Mechanisms
10.6 Assignment
You may not assign or transfer your rights under these Terms to another party without prior written consent from the University. The University reserves the right to assign its rights without restriction, including in the event of a merger, acquisition, or restructuring.
10.7 Updates to These Terms
The University reserves the right to modify or update these Terms at any time. If changes are made, users will be notified via:
Email notifications
Announcements on the platform
Updated Terms displayed on the website
Continued use of the platform after an update constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.
11. Termination & Policy Violations
11.1 Termination by the University
The University reserves the right to suspend or terminate your access to the Abia State University E-Learning Platform at its discretion, with or without notice, if you:
Violate these Terms, the Privacy Policy, or Instructor Terms.
Engage in fraudulent, deceptive, or illegal activities.
Provide false or misleading information.
Infringe on the University’s intellectual property or the intellectual property rights of others.
Disrupt the platform’s security, operations, or student experience.
In the event of termination, you will lose access to all course materials, earnings, and other data associated with your account.
11.2 Termination by Users
If you wish to delete your account, you may do so through the account settings or by submitting a formal request to the University. Please note:
Course materials and content you have submitted remain the property of the University and will not be deleted.
If you have ongoing courses, students enrolled in your courses may still have access to the content.
No refunds will be issued for any payments made before termination.
11.3 Consequences of Policy Violations
Violating these Terms may result in one or more of the following consequences:
Warning: A formal notification of the violation.
Restricted Access: Temporary or permanent loss of certain platform privileges.
Suspension: Temporary removal from the platform, with a review process for reinstatement.
Permanent Termination: Complete removal from the platform, with no possibility of reinstatement.
Legal Action: In cases of severe violations, the University reserves the right to pursue legal action and seek damages.
11.4 Appeals Process
If your account has been suspended or terminated, you may submit an appeal request within 30 days of receiving the termination notice. The appeal must include:
A clear explanation of why you believe the termination was unjustified.
Any supporting evidence or documentation.
The University will review all appeals and respond within 15 business days. However, the final decision is at the University’s sole discretion.
12. Updates to These Terms
12.1 Modifications and Revisions
Abia State University reserves the right to update, modify, or revise these Terms at any time to reflect:
Changes in laws or regulations.
Enhancements to the e-learning platform.
Updates in University policies or academic guidelines.
New security measures or data protection requirements.
If any changes are made, we will notify users through:
Email notifications (if applicable).
A notice on the platform.
A revision of the “Last Updated” date at the top of these Terms.
12.2 Continued Use After Updates
By continuing to use the Abia State University E-Learning Platform after changes take effect, you agree to the revised Terms. If you do not agree with any update, you must stop using the platform and may request to delete your account.
