Don Urges Nigeria’s Tertiary Institutions To Embrace Digital Education

By Obansa Ibrahim, Lokoja

Former Vice Chancellor of Kwararafa University, Wukari, Professor Yakubu Aboki Ochefu, has urged Nigeria’s Tertiary Institutions to embrace digital education in view of its enormous benefits to students, lecturers and institutions.

Professor Ochefu who was also the immediate past Secretary General, Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigeria universities, made the call while delivering 11th Public lecture series of the Federal University, Lokoja, on Wednesday.

The former Vice Chancellor in his lecture Titled: “Blended Learning Models Combining Traditional and Digital Approaches for Holistic Education” maintained that the advantages derivable from e-learning system of education outwayed that of the traditional approaches.

According to Professor Ochefu “E-learning is a transformative tool that benefits all stakeholders, fostering innovation and inclusivity in education while Blended e-learning combines the strengths of traditional and digital education, making it a powerful approach to meet the evolving needs of all stakeholders in academia.

“Digital education is of great benefit to students as it afford them the opportunity of having balanced learning approach combining the flexibility of online learning with the structure and interaction of face-to-face classes

“It also favours students on improved engagement through access to diverse multimedia resources which enhances Interest and participation

“It enhances learning outcomes through multiple formats (video, text, group discussion), better understanding of concepts through practical sessions in physical classrooms

“Students equally gains Personalized and Adaptive Learning, Skills Development and Accessibility as well as Inclusivity

“On the other hand, e-learning afford lecturers the ability to combine digital tools with traditional methods, enhances interactions because online platforms encourage discussions and participation from shy or introverted students, face-to-face sessions strengthen relationships and understanding

“E-learning also enhances efficient resource utilization, Improved feedback mechanisms and professional growth which affords opportunity to experiment with innovative teaching strategies. Build expertise in using ed-tech tools and platforms

“Further more, E-learning is beneficial to tertiary institutions as a whole, because it boosts quality education, optimized use of infrastructure, promote increased enrollment, data-driven improvements, branding and competitiveness

“However, e-learning even with its numerous benefits has its challenges such as huge cost of running technology system of education, poor electricity supply, lack skil in Information and Communications Technology as many students and lecturers are not ICT compliant, inadequate technological equipment, poor network and failure amongst others”

Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, described the 11th Public lecture organized by the Directorate of E-LEARNING of the institution as timely and capable of enhancing rapid integration of technology into all faces of human life, including education.

“The topic of the public lecture will go a long way in providing necessary strategies in delivering quality education that will meet the demand of 21st century via digital

“In a rapidly changing world, where technology has become an integral part of human interaction, our traditional methods of teaching must be adapted

“Blended learning, therefore, offers an opportunity to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation as it fosters critical thinking, Inclusivity and collaboration” Professor Olayemi Akinwumi affirmed.