Education
Experts List Gains Of Open, Distance Learning
Prominent scholars and higher education professionals from across the world recently gathered at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to discuss the transformative potential of open and distance learning, especially in the technology-driven era of the fourth industrial revolution.
Speakers at the second international colloquium, held by the Distance Learning Institute (DLI) of the institution and themed: ’Hybridisation of instructional deliveries in the emerging global higher education ecosystem, “Encouraged universities to embrace the open and distance learning system.”
Former Vice Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof Olugbemiro Jegede, who chaired the event, underscored the imperativeness of keying into digital technology for the provision of higher education services.
Jegede identified the mode of instruction delivery as one of the major differences between face-to-face (f2f) and open distance and e-learning (ODeL), and submitted that the dividing line would soon be non-existent.
He appealed to universities in Nigeria to embrace open distance education by investing resources in technology and personnel training required for it. He lamented that the global education system appeared to be moving at snail speed, much slower than the emergence of modern technologies.
“While the faster world is moving at the speed of light into fully digital online instructional deliveries and the ecosystem of our global higher education is neither ready to relinquish f2f nor willing to embrace hook, line and sinker the emerging technologies.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof Folashade Ogunsola, acknowledged the potential of technology in reshaping the education landscape and promoting lifelong learning.
Ogunsola reminded that knowledge is the currency of the 21st century, noting that there would be no development without human capital.
She said: “At the university level, only about 25 per cent of applicants would be absorbed. NOUN has the largest enrollment at over 500,000. The present campus system would not solve the problem. Going forward, it is clear we must embrace new strategies and technology if we are to meet our obligation and actualise the development required to make our country comfortable for all.” She disclosed that the institution recently provided licenses for Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) to improve staff learning and certifications.
The Acting Vice Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Prof. Okechuku Onuchuku, emphasised the need for students to go beyond academic achievements during the university’s 43rd Convocation ceremony.
The theme, “The University Culture In Practice, The IAUE Experience,” highlights the importance of embracing cherished traditions and intellectual values that define great universities.
Prof. Onuchuku encouraged the new graduates to work hard and persevere, noting that their convocation marks a new beginning in their careers and personal lives. He emphasised that they must prove themselves worthy of the certificates and prizes they have received.
According to him, out of 2,887 first-degree graduands, four made First Class, 403 secured Second Class Upper, 2,030 got Second Class Lower, and 450 graduated with Third Class. Additionally, 1,492 postgraduate students graduated, including 306 PhD holders.
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), praised the university’s commitment to academic excellence and institutional maturity. He commended the Acting Vice Chancellor for achieving full accreditation for 47 academic programmes and implementing the NUC’s Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards.
The administrator urged the new graduates to uphold the positive values instilled in them by the university and strive for continuous knowledge and improvement.
By: King Onunwor
The Niger Delta Students Union Government, Rivers State Chapter (NIDSUG), has suspended its planned protest against the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) state office in Port Harcourt. The suspension followed an intervention by the state Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju.
The students had planned to protest on Thursday, citing alleged neglect by the NDDC, particularly in welfare and capacity-building programmes for students from the state. However, after the police intervention, the students agreed to participate in a roundtable discussion with the commission to address their concerns.
NIDSUG leader, Comrade Loveday Njoku, expressed dissatisfaction with the commission’s alleged exclusion of students from benefiting from its programmes. He presented a seven-point demand, including the reintroduction of scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Njoku emphasised that education is crucial for community development and urged the commission to invest in the future leaders of the state.
The students warned that if their demands are not met, they will resume the protest and occupy the state commission office until their demands are addressed. Despite previous attempts to reach out to the commission’s management team, the students claimed their efforts were unsuccessful.
By: Akujobi Amadi
As part of efforts to improve the welfare and overall quality of education for students in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, the Sole Administrator, Sir (Dr.) Clifford Ndu Walter DSSRS, FCAI, JP, paid an unscheduled visit to Universal Primary School, Rumukwurusi.
During the visit, Sir Walter expressed deep concern over the deplorable state of the school and its surrounding environment. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the development of the education sector, stressing its critical role in nation-building.
“I have visited the primary school in Ogbogoro, and now I’m here at the Universal Primary School, Rumukwurusi. I am not satisfied with what I’ve seen,” he stated, indicating that more surprise visits to schools would follow.
To address the issues, the Sole Administrator directed the Council Engineer to commence process for rehabilitation of the school.
The visit was part of a broader initiative aimed at conducting on-the-spot assessments of educational facilities to determine the level of intervention required by the local government council.
Dr. Walter also assured the teachers of his unwavering commitment to revamp the school and improve the learning environment for both staff and students.