FG tasks varsities, polytechnics on digital transformation

The Federal Government has urged universities and polytechnics administrators to embrace digital transformation to facilitate processes and prevent fraud.

The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, made the call at the 2024 International Week and 17th Annual Research Conference of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

The Minister was represented by Dr Chris Maiyaki, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission.

It was reported that the event had the theme: “Inclusive Digital Transformation and the University Promise.

Mamman said that the step would enhance job efficiency, reduce fraud in admission processes, and elevate institutions to global standards.

He emphasised replacement of outdated manual systems with digital platforms to improve overall efficiency in university operations.

“Digitalisation has re-designed communication processes for work and learning, allowing hybrid modes of engagement from anywhere,” he said.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof Folashade Ogunsola said that the theme of the 2024 International Week reflected concrete steps UNILAG had taken to integrate technology into every aspect of learning.

She said that each year, the university dedicated a week to look back on what it had achieved and discuss strategic ways to be more globally relevant through various partnerships.

The vice-chancellor said that the institution recently presented awards to winners of its innovation challenge, which was funded by the AfriTech Network.

Ogunsola said that the purpose of the challenge was to encourage students of UNILAG and students from other universities to apply creativity, curiosity and critical thinking.

According to her, the challenge was also aimed to enable the students to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems in ways that would bring Nigeria closer to achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.

“I am truly confident that we are well on our way to the future. Their challenge was to solve the issue of energy.

“Their thinking is totally out of the box. Innovation has no impact if we leave out the people factor,” she added.