By Funmi Ogundare
The President of Nigeria Computer Society and a Professor of Computer Science and Information Security, Adesina Sodiya, has called on the government to promote and support technology-based learning, saying that it will go a long way in transforming the education system and enhance students’ academic performance.
Sodiya, who made this known recently at the third matriculation ceremony of Trinity University, Yaba, said the government must come up with modern education policies which should be geared towards such learning.
In his lecture titled, ‘Digital Inclusion and the Future of the Nigerian University System: A Post COVID-19 Review’, Sodiya said since the world has moved away from the analog to digital technology, there is need to encourage positive attitudes about the significance of integrating ICT instruction and also provide the needed enabling environment for ICT-based learning to thrive, as this would enhance the delivery of learning in schools.
According to him, “we need to create awareness among teachers and learners; and provide professional development activities related to technology to update their skills and knowledge, and offer technical support when needed.
“There is also a need to support partnerships that help teachers share effective technology practices and experiences, support workshops and conferences on technology-based learning, as well as augment curricular with technology- enhanced material.”
The president said he believes that the future of education lies more in the adoption of blended learning, complete smart classrooms, virtual universities, collaborative degree programmes, video learning, assistive technology, among others.
He congratulated the matriculating students and enjoined them to make use of the digital library and enrol for massive online courses related to their programmes, so as to enhance their academic performance.
“You need to train yourselves with academic learning tools. Join virtual study groups and make use of digital planners,” Sodiya said.
In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor of the university, Pastor Samuel Olatunji admonished students to be prepared for life beyond the school environment, saying that the experience out there is quite different from what obtains in school.
According to Olatunji, the university was established to produce a total man in each student, and that the management is alive to the responsibility of actualising that.
“Despite the harsh economic environment and other issues brought about by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the university has been growing in leaps and bounds. The university is aware of what is expected of her and is striving to make its impact.
“The value of our certificate is measured by the respect the society has for it. Students should be prepared for life beyond school. What people do experience after school are not the same thing with what students go through in schools,” he said.
He called on relevant agencies of the government to be alive to their responsibilities at ensuring that things get better for the citizens.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Ayo, said the country should not repeat the mistakes of the past that led to social dislocation.
He said the 183 matriculating students should expect quality education that others before them have been enjoying since the establishment of the university.
