Emerging Technologies in Teaching And LEARNING Can Revolutionize Education in Nigeria – AE-FUNAI VC

The Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Sunday Elom has said that emerging technologies in teaching and learning can revolutionize education in Nigeria.

Myschoolnews reports the Vice-Chancellor stated this at the opening ceremony of the 3rd International Conference of the Faculty of Education of the institution, themed” Emerging Technologies in the 21st Century Teaching and Learning” held at the Abubakar Adamu Rasheed Auditorium.

The Vice-Chancellor who was represented by the Deputy Vice- Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Romanus Ejiaga, said that emerging technologies have the power to revolutionize education in developing countries like Nigeria by increasing access, quality, equity, and efficiency.

He asserted that the overall goal is to enable more Innovative and engaging teaching methods and learning experiences, adding that the conference is actually coming at the right time when the University is in the process of incorporating blended learning in its academic activities.

Speaking further, the Vice-Chancellor urged scholars in the field of Education and other related disciplines to develop tools that would add v6alue to both teaching and learning in this digital age in order to counter the challenges that confront Education in the 21st Century.

He maintained that in the evolving landscape of Education, institutions are urged to provide technological support that fit the needs of these diverse groups.

He reiterated that AE- FUNAI is adopting emerging technologies in its classrooms in order not to be left behind in this technological age, and admonished the teachers and students to embrace the emerging technologies and step up their digital competencies in order to fulfill the required needs of 21st century classrooms.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Dean, Faculty of Education, Dr. Francisca Ogba said that the conference is exceptional on its standard as it was aimed at providing a platform for educators, researchers, administrators and other specialists in the field, within and beyond the shores of Nigeria to keep abreast with the changing landscape of education methodologies and to discuss the opportunities and challenges in teaching and learning in the 21st Century classrooms.

The Dean, emphasized that the conference will afford all educators the opportunity to explore the potentials of emerging technologies and their roles in enhancing access to quality education.

The keynote Speaker, Professor Olugbenga Gabriel Akindoju of the Department of Science and Technology Education, Lagos State University, while delivering his Speech on the theme of the conference enumerated the advantages of Electronic Learning to include; cost effectiveness , learners- dependent, quick update, boundless opportunities, good for large groups, ,constant deliver and, quick accessibility, noting that embracing e-learning is the key in Educational Research and Development. He therefore encouraged students and lecturers to avail themselves of the different relevant online tools which include; teachers aid, e-curriculum e.t.c.

He decried the numerous challenges hindering e-learning which include; electricity, funding, attitudes, internet access, policies, digital literacy, skills of the lecturers, and enabling environment.

Proffering solutions, the seasoned researcher said the way forward will be the political will of the government at all levels to support digital and e-learning in schools by adequate funding, more internet access, and digital skill upscale.

An educationist, Prof. Uche Grace Emetarom, a Professor of Educational Administration and Management in the Department of Educational Administration and planning [DEAP] Abia State University, Uturu, who delivered a paper on ‘A Call on Education Stakeholders in Africa’ said the conference was transformative, and an opportunity to impact on oneself. She also noted that Africa as the second largest and second most populous nation after Asia cannot be left out, as Technology has affected Education.

She posited that e-learning has made distance learning and online education an essential part of the Educational System, adding that teaching and learning have become easier with the introduction of digital tools, which also make learning fun.

Prof Emetarom highlighted some important tools in the emerging Technologies to include; artificial Intelligence, set of devices for classrooms, machine Learning, unternet of things { IOTS], cloud computing, robotic process automation, smart classrooms e.t.c.                                                        

The highlights of the event were the presentation of awards to some distinguished individuals for their unparalleled contributions to education. Chief among was the Award of Excellence Service to Humanity to Senator Obinna Ogba , Rt. Hon. Idu Igariwey, Hon. Member Representing Afikpo North and South Federal Constituency, Sir Prince Emeka Urechukwu, CEO Saclux Industries Nig. Ltd. and Dr. Gideon Chidiebere Ossy, an entrepreneur and philanthropist. Others include an Ambassador of Education Award given to Prof. Afam Icha Ituma, Vice- Chancellor, Coal City University Enugu State and Mr. John Onwe, Chairman, Ishielu Local Government Area who were the pioneer Dean and staff of the Faculty respectively