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We can’t operate e-learning in Nigeria today- NUC
By Modupe Shodeinde
The National Universities Commission has given the reasons why Nigerian Universities cannot fully operate e-learning.
The NUC listed infrastructure, power and internet access as some of the major challenges against full operation of e-learning in Nigeria.
The Deputy Executive Secretary(Academics) of the NUC, Dr Suleiman Ramon-Yusuf, on Wednesday said new guidelines to prepare the grounds for effective e-learning in the country would be announced.
“We are preparing grounds for e-learning; our new guidelines are being reviewed; NUC will announce these new guidelines,” he said
“We want to ensure that when there is e-learning in place, it would be run in such a manner that every student is accounted for, every student has an e-portfolio which enables everyone to know that it is this student that registered for this course and it is that same student that has been doing the assessment test and the examination; and that learning is taking place in an evidence” He further stated.
According to him, Nigeria can only operate blended learning at the moment. He said that plans required for e-learning, such as needed materials,infrastructure, and the necessary process must first be put in place.
“Anybody who is making noise that e-learning must start tomorrow is either mischievous or ignorant. If he knows what e-learning entails, no one can decree e-learning in Nigeria before the end of this year.
“We need to plan; we need to invest; we need to train. After putting all the infrastructures in place, we need training of teachers. You must get them to have a mindset shift.”
He also stated that universities staffs do not have the digital competency to operate well enough in a virtual learning environment.
According to him, private open universities will come on board when all stakeholders are satisfied that the country has what it takes to guarantee quality and integrity of the e-learning programme.
