Experts in the Education sector have called for a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s digital education framework, citing outdated policies, inadequate infrastructure, and ineffective teaching practices as key barriers to advancing online learning ahead of the third International Conference of the Open Distance E-Learning Association of Nigeria (ODeLAN).
The conference, organized in collaboration with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), which aims to bring together students, academics, researchers, policymakers, and technology providers to explore innovative approaches to digital learning will take place from May 14 to 16, 2025, at the NOUN Conference Centre in Abuja.
Christine Ofulue, Professor of Linguistics, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Abuja, speaking during a Virtual media interaction on Thursday, highlighted the urgent need for responsive and innovative teaching and learning approaches amid rapid technological advancements and shifting societal demands.
She emphasized that while the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of online learning, many institutions in Nigeria failed to fully adapt their content and teaching methods to suit the digital environment.
“Since COVID-19, we’ve seen a significant pivot to online learning, but many institutions simply moved classrooms online without adapting content or pedagogy.
“What we see in many schools are digital replicas of physical classrooms, with little regard for the unique pedagogical approaches required for online education. This conference will expose participants to better ways of designing and delivering digital education to ensure it meets the needs of today’s learners.
“Technology should not just be an accessory to education; it should drive innovation in how we teach and learn. For instance, micro-credentials can provide learners with targeted skills for immediate application, yet this remains underexplored in Nigeria,” she explained.
“Similarly, we need to understand how learning analytics can enhance personalized education experiences for students.”
Ofulue also highlighted the challenges posed by generative artificial intelligence (AI), noting that while AI tools are becoming more prevalent in education, their ethical and regulatory implications require urgent attention.
“Educators are struggling to manage AI use in assessments, while students often misuse these tools. These are critical areas we need to address collectively,” she said.
According to Ofulue, the event will include workshops on inclusive education, the integration of artificial intelligence in learning, and approaches to bridging the digital divide in Nigeria.
She expressed concern about the lack of access to basic infrastructure for online learning in rural and underserved communities.
“Many rural areas still lack the necessary infrastructure for online learning, which is deeply concerning. This conference isn’t just about discussing problems; it’s about finding solutions that can work within the unique context of Nigeria’s education system. We want participants to leave with ideas they can implement immediately,” Ofulue said.
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