NOUN calls for collaboration to drive education innovation

Prof. Olufemi Peters, the Vice-Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), has called for a strong collaboration to drive innovation for equity and sustainable education across the country.

Peters said this at the opening of Africa Centre of Excellence Technology Enhanced Learning, (ACETEL-NOUN) maiden exhibition and e-learning conference on Thursday in Abuja.

The exhibition was in conjunction with the National Information Technology Development Agency.

It was reported that the theme of the conference was: “Harnessing Digital Innovations For Equitable Education and Sustainable Growth in Africa.”

The VC said the collaboration with relevant stakeholders would shape a future where education would be more flexible, inclusive as well as effective in the country.

He said the theme of the conference signified a milestone in the ongoing transmission of education to information, communication and technology.

According to him, they have come to reflect on how digital tools can excel and to explore the furtherance of technology.

“I want to emphasise that collaboration is the key to driving innovation.

“I hope that the human interrelationship that we are going to form at this conference will bring long term partnership and leverage synergy.

“I want to assure you that as academics, developers and government leaders, we can shape a future where education is more flexible, more inclusive and more effective.

“I want to assure you that NOUN will continue to be at the forefront of developing human capacity by the development of emerging technologies with particular focus on digital solutions for education.

“E-learning is not just a temporal solution; it is a revolutionary pathway that will shape the future of education.

“We are here to reflect on how digital tools and solutions have transformed the workplace, boost collaboration, enhance productivity and explore the furtherance of technology,” he said.

Peters noted that it was their responsibility to ensure that e-learning solutions provide access and maintain very high standards of quality and accessibility for now and in the future.

Peters said that the conferences offered a platform to explore key things such as personalised learning, artificial intelligence, digital equity and building the digital device.

He emphasised on the need to invest in continuing professional development for teachers, by equipping them with skills for effective use of the digital tools responsibly.

“We should not forget the human and cultural element in the learning process. Our roles continue as mentors and facilitators of knowledge even with the presence of directive artificial intelligence.

“It is important to recognise that why technology is powerful in England, it is the vision, the passion and dedication of the educators that remain central to the learning process,” he said.

The vice chancellor, Thanked everyone for their commitment in advancing the field of e-learning.

He urged the participants to remain open to new ideas, challenges, assumptions and re-imagine the future of education in this digital era.

Prof. Grace Jokthan, Director, ACETEL, said the centre had committed itself to pushing boundaries of what was possible in the education space.

According to her, leveraging digital solutions to enhance learning, foster inclusivity and create opportunities for growth across the African continent.

“At ACETEL, we recognised that technology has the power to democratise access to education.

“We also ensure that the quality of education remains high and that digital tools are used not just for convenience but for meaningful and transformative learning experiences,” she said.

Jokthan said that the participation of women in technology foundation emphasised the critical role of women in shaping the technology landscape, fostering gender inclusivity and diversity in the education technology space.

She said the conference would provide fresh insights, new ideas and opportunity to build lasting collaborations.

Also, Prof. Olusola Oyewole, the Secretary-General, Association of African Universities, Ghana, said that e-learning was the easiest way to deliver educational services.

Oyewole urged educators to embrace and ensure they have access to the internet to enable them to be ahead of their students.

This, Oyewole said, would enhance and expand their knowledge.