The growth of online learning is influencing Nigeria’s education, with key academic figures promoting it as a sustainable solution. Professor Olufemi Peters, the vice-chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), emphasised the transformative potential of eLearning during the inaugural exhibition of the Africa Centre of Excellence in Technology Enhanced Learning (ACETEL-NOUN) in Abuja. Collaborated with the National Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (NITDA), along with the University’s Directorate of Research and Advancement (DRA) and the Directorate of Entrepreneurship and General Studies (DEGS) with the theme “Harnessing Digital Innovations for Equitable Education and Sustainable Growth in Africa.”
Professor Peters, reflecting on the importance of eLearning, stated that NOUN has long been committed to providing inclusive education, regardless of geographical, cultural, or economic barriers. Their network of over 150,000 students and 125 regional centres underlines its commitment to expanding access to education. He believed integrating digital tools and innovations facilitating remote learning is the key to this success. NOUN’s participation in the African Centre of Excellence for Technology and Arts, backed by global organisations like the Association of African Universities (AAU) and the National Universities Commission (NUC), demonstrates the institution’s commitment to using technological innovations to improve academic outcomes.
COVID-19 reinforced the crucial need to adopt online education methods.
He emphasised that the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the importance of adopting eLearning, transforming it from a supplementary resource to a vital component of the academic framework. What began as a temporary measure to bridge the gap during the global health crisis has become a pivotal strategy for shaping the future of learning in the country and beyond. He believes that today’s world requires organisations to implement adaptable and creative strategies, and online education offers those opportunities. At the event, the main speaker, Professor Olusola Oyewole, the Secretary General of AAU, presented “eLearning in Africa: Strategies, Successes, and Future Directions.”.
Furthermore, he emphasised that African educational institutions must update their traditional curricula and adopt digital solutions to improve the learning experience. Professor Oyewole stressed that eLearning can address issues confronting the continent’s academic system, such as accessibility and quality concerns. Likewise, he emphasised that online learning is crucial in mitigating Teacher shortages by creating an avenue for flexible and versatile teaching methods. He further emphasised that online education breaks traditional academic challenges, allowing students to progress quickly and tailoring learning experiences to their specific requirements. He urged the establishment of policies and regulatory systems to encourage and maintain the expansion of eLearning in Higher Education across Africa.
ACETEL’s head stressed the role of technology in transforming education.
However, the event included perspectives from Professor Grace Jokthan, the head of ACETEL, who underscored the vital importance of technology in making education more democratic. She stated that ACETEL aims to expand the horizons of academic possibilities through digital advancements, striving for a more inclusive learning environment. For her, technology is not just about convenience; it has the power to facilitate transformative learning experiences that are both meaningful and accessible. She further noted that the exhibition hosted by ACETEL featured innovative EdTech advancements ranging from the university’s research conducted by students and faculty, demonstrating the institution’s vibrant research environment.
Additionally, she pointed out women’s contributions to influencing the Education Technology sector and stressed the necessity of promoting Gender Equality and diversity within the field. She believes the exhibition offered an exceptional opportunity for collaboration, exchanging new perspectives, and establishing enduring alliances that could promote the development of digital resources in education throughout Africa. The conference’s theme centred on working together. Professor Peters reiterated the crucial role of alliances among academics, technology developers, and policymakers in creating a future with greater accessibility and adaptability in education.
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Lastly, he emphasised that NOUN is dedicated to enhancing human capacity development by strongly emphasising Digital Learning initiatives. The conference and exhibition underscored the importance of supporting educators’ professional growth by providing them with the necessary skills to integrate digital resources effectively. Professor Peters further emphasised to participants that, despite technology’s capabilities, educators’ roles as guides and knowledge sharers are essential. He proposed that technology should enhance rather than substitute the human aspect of teaching.