Universities urged to adopt smart learning solutions

Embracing Smart Learning for National Development

Education stakeholders in Nigeria have been urging universities to adopt smart learning technologies as a means of bridging educational gaps, promoting inclusivity, and driving economic growth. This call was made during the matriculation ceremony of the West Midlands Open University in Ikeja, Lagos, on Saturday.

Guest speaker and Nigeria’s first female Professor of Computer Science, Prof. Adenike Osofisan, emphasized the importance of integrating smart learning into higher education institutions. She highlighted that smart learning is essential for addressing access and quality issues in traditional educational systems.

The Future of Higher Education

Prof. Osofisan explained that smart learning utilizes advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence to create personalized and efficient educational experiences. This approach allows learners to study at their own pace and enables teachers to tailor lessons to individual needs. Such methods foster deeper understanding, adaptability, and digital literacy, all of which are crucial for economic development.

She pointed out that over 50% of Nigerian youths who qualify for tertiary education are denied admission each year due to limited capacity in conventional universities. Open universities, through smart learning, can bridge this gap by offering inclusive access to education regardless of age, location, or economic background.

Role of Open Universities

Osofisan highlighted the role of open universities in promoting lifelong learning, advancing digital literacy, and driving educational innovation through technology-enabled teaching. She urged institutions like West Midlands Open University to invest strategically in infrastructure, upskill lecturers in digital learning, and advocate for national policies that support smart learning and quality assurance.

She also cautioned that challenges such as poor internet access, inadequate funding, and resistance to change could hinder the adoption of smart learning if not properly addressed. Osofisan called on the National Universities Commission to ensure that all lecturers are proficient in Information and Communication Technology.

Commitment to Affordable Education

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Olumide Longe, congratulated the matriculating students and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to expanding access to affordable and flexible education. He stated that the university was founded on the vision of contributing to human capital development through increased access to higher education.

Longe explained that adopting open and distance learning models would help bridge educational gaps in Nigeria by providing flexible access to quality higher education for people who may not be able to attend traditional universities due to work, distance, or financial constraints.

He emphasized that smart learning and digital platforms have become essential tools in shaping the future of education, especially in a world increasingly defined by technology and innovation. Embracing such systems would not only expand access but also equip learners with digital competencies required in today’s knowledge-driven economy.

Encouragement from Industry Leaders

Former Minister of Industry and the second female President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Onikepo Akande, commended the management and staff of the institution for their dedication to providing access and opportunity through education. She said that distance or circumstance should never be barriers to learning and that this vision builds nations and secures the future for generations to come.

Akande urged the students to strive for excellence and uphold integrity in all their endeavors, reminding them that the ultimate goal of education is to serve humanity. “Let us move forward with renewed hope. The foundation we are laying today will inspire greatness in all who pass through the halls of this great university,” she added.

Advice from JAMB Official

The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, advised the students to be proud ambassadors of the university. Represented by Oluwakemi Awosanya, Assistant Director at JAMB’s Lagos Office, Oloyede said: “Open universities are a step forward for our nation. You must make yourselves, your parents, and your country proud by applying the knowledge you gain here to national development.”

Quality Without Compromise

The Chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees, Bayo Oyero, emphasized that open and distance learning institutions offer flexibility without compromising quality. He highlighted the importance of maintaining high standards while providing accessible education to a broader audience.