The vice-chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Olufemi Peters, and key stakeholders have advocated for eLearning as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s educational future.

They stated this at yesterday’s opening ceremony of the Africa Centre of Excellence in Technology Enhanced Learning-NOUN (ACETEL-NOUN) maiden exhibition in Abuja.

The conference was jointly organised by the National Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the University’s Directorate of Research and Advancement (DRA), and the Directorate of Entrepreneurship and General Studies (DE&GS) with the theme “Harnessing Digital Innovations for Equitable Education and Sustainable Growth in Africa.”

Professor Peters emphasised that NOUN is the foremost institution dedicated to open and distance education in Nigeria, committed to providing inclusive and quality education regardless of age, location, or cultural background. He stated, “With over 150,000 students and 125 study centres across every state, we are proud to be one of the leading institutions expanding the frontiers of open distance education in Nigeria and the West African sub-region.”

He expressed gratitude for NOUN’s involvement with the African Centre of Excellence in Technology and Arts, a project supported globally by the Association of African Universities and the National Universities Commission.

“I assure you that we will continue to lead in developing human capacity through emerging technologies, focusing on innovative and ethical solutions for education,” he added.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that recent years have seen rapid changes in the education landscape, driven by technological advancements and the evolving needs of learners. He highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the urgency of embracing digital learning.

“What was once considered supplementary has become essential for delivering knowledge and skills. Today, eLearning is not just a temporary solution; it is a revolutionary pathway shaping the future of education,” he stated.

He encouraged participants to engage with exhibitors, explore innovations, and consider how these technologies could be integrated into their institutions and classrooms.

The keynote speaker, Professor Olusola Oyewole, secretary general of the Association of African Universities (AAU), delivered a presentation titled “eLearning in Africa: Strategies, Successes, and Future Directions.”

He said that eLearning addresses critical issues such as access to education and quality and provides adequate learning materials and infrastructure that support teaching and learning.

“Our institutions need to review our curricula and move beyond the colonial curriculum,” he urged. Regarding teacher shortages, Professor Oyewole noted that eLearning could help overcome these challenges by using digital technologies to deliver flexible, affordable, and accessible education,” he said.

Describing eLearning as a game-changer, he said it breaks down geographic barriers, offering study opportunities regardless of location. Its flexibility allows for personalised training solutions and enables learners to study at their own pace, among other benefits.

He proposed developing policy and regulatory frameworks for eLearning in African higher education and collaborations to advance eLearning initiatives.

Earlier, the director of ACETEL, Professor Grace Jokthan, emphasised the rapid evolution of global education and the importance of adopting digital learning.

“At ACETEL, we recognise that technology can democratise access to education, ensuring high quality while facilitating meaningful and transformative learning experiences.”

She noted that the exhibition would showcase groundbreaking innovations in EdTech, reflecting the university’s rich student and faculty research pool.

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