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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), has stated that Nigeria education system is witnessing the positive impact of revolution being championed by technology.
It confirmed that NOUN has also championed the technology-driven changes in the tertiary education system, through the proper deployment of technology in the effective running the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) system of education.
NOUN Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters, stated this at the opening ceremony of the maiden exhibition and e-learning conference, in Abuja, organised by the Africa Centre of Excellence Technolgy Enhanced Learning -National Open University of Nigeria ( ACETEL- NOUN), in conjunction with National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
He said: “In recent years, the education landscape has undergone rapid changes, driven by technological advancements, global interconnectedness, and the evolving needs of learners.
“The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, underscored the urgency of embracing digital learning. What was once considered supplementary has now become essential for delivering knowledge and skills.”
“Today, e-learning is not just a temporary solution, it is a revolutionary pathway shaping the future of education. This marks a significant milestone in harnessing digital innovation for education and sustainable growth in Africa, fostering international communication and development technology.”
He said the conference reflect how digital tools and solutions can transform teaching and learning experiences, and explore the broader implications of technology, adding that NOUN stands as the foremost institution dedicated to open and distance education in our country.
Director of ACETEL, Prof. Grace Jokhan, said the theme of the conference resonate deeply with their activities at ACETEL. “Over the past years, the Centre has been committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the education space by leveraging digital solutions to enhance learning, foster inclusivity, and create opportunities for growth across the African continent.”
She said the rapid evolution of global education has significantly accelerated the adoption of digital learning, underscoring the importance of flexible and innovative educational models that can reach learners wherever they are.
“At ACETEL, we recognize that technology has the power to democratize access to education, ensuring that the quality of education remains high, and that digital tools are used not just for convenience but for meaningful and transformative learning experiences.”
The keynote speaker, Prof Olusola Oyewole, observed that the problems of infrastructural deficits such as high costs of data, unreliable networks, skill gaps and funding, are among the challenges affecting the implementation of E- learning in Africa.
He said that students pays triple of the cost of accessing data than their counterparts in developed countries, thus stressing the need to promote e-learning as solution to many challenges of education in Africa.
“E-learning is a game changer in most African countries and the things driving it are Artificial Intelligence (AI), virtual reality, mixing computer mediated learning and 5G, these are the future of learning in Africa.
“To this end, Africa should take action by developing policies and regulatory frameworks for e-learning in higher education as well as collaborate with each other in advancing e-learning in African universities.”
