From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
Dr. Seyi Akanbi of the University of the District of Columbia, Washington DC, USA, has called for increased investment in technology-driven research to enhance society and address the demands of a rapidly changing world. He spoke during his presentation, “Emerging Technology and Teaching in Higher Education,” at the proposed American Open University, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The IT expert said: “It’s not just about injecting money; accountability and results matter. Improved quality in education will encourage further investments and build public trust.”
He identified a mismatch between academic curricula and labour market demands as a significant contributor to unemployment in Nigeria: “Our goal is to prepare students for the workforce while also enabling educators to train future-ready graduates. These efforts not only benefit individuals but also enhance the economy by creating skilled professionals who contribute to national development.
“AI-focused training programs are being introduced to bridge the knowledge gap. These initiatives foster learning and equip participants with insights needed to prepare graduates for future challenges.”
He added that awareness campaigns and practical applications of emerging technologies could inspire their widespread adoption in educational institutions.
Reacting to the TETFund’s recent decision to limit foreign training for lecturers, Akanbi suggested strategies to address brain drain while maintaining exposure to global standards: “The government should fund training abroad but ensure that beneficiaries return to contribute to the system. Collateral agreements could help enforce this.”
Professor Francis Eghokare, President, Open, Distance and e-Learning Association, said: “The rate of degradation in the system outpaces improvement. Urgent measures must be taken to increase the scale of progress and adaptation.”
Participants, including Ooreoluwa Aladejuyigbe and Bayo Agoola, highlighted the importance of the training for human capital development. They noted that the conference provided critical analyses of challenges in Nigeria’s higher education sector and strategies to address them through technology.
Aladejuyigbe, a media practitioner and researcher, shared her perspective: “As a journalist, I plan to adopt the lessons from this training to enhance news gathering, presentation, and other aspects of my work.”