NOUN Professor Highlights Challenges in Technology Adoption Among Educators
He made this statement during the university's 28th Inaugural Lecture on September 19, 2024, at the NOUN headquarters in Abuja.
Binye-lum 
A professor of Educational Administration and Planning at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Samuel Ogunwale Ogundiran, has highlighted that many educators and school administrators in Nigeria face significant challenges in transitioning from traditional methods to technology-driven solutions. He made this statement during the university's 28th Inaugural Lecture on September 19, 2024, at the NOUN headquarters in Abuja.
In his lecture titled “Educational Administration and Technology: A Marriage of Inconvenience,” Ogundiran emphasized that despite the availability of technological tools such as laptops and digital learning resources, barriers like inadequate training, poor electricity access, and unreliable internet connectivity hinder effective use of these devices.
Ogundiran shared his personal journey of adapting to technology, recalling his initial struggles with basic computer skills before successfully integrating technology into his work. He noted that many educators remain dependent on outdated methods due to a lack of proper support and resources.
He urged educational institutions to invest in training programs for staff to equip them with the necessary skills to navigate an increasingly technology-oriented educational landscape. Ogundiran outlined both the advantages of technology in educational administration and the challenges that accompany its adoption, stating, “Although technology should theoretically improve educational administration, the many deficiencies in the system may hinder this ideal.”
The professor called for improvements in technology adoption, including enhanced infrastructure, training, and financial incentives. He stressed the need for policymakers to address the “marriage of inconvenience” between educational practices and technology, advocating for a concerted effort to provide educators and administrators with the resources they need to effectively utilize technology in the classroom.
NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters, highlighted the significance of the inaugural lecture as a demonstration of academic excellence. He commended Prof. Ogundiran for his extensive contributions to the field and emphasized that such lectures allow professors to reflect on their scholarly achievements.
The event concluded with remarks from Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Chiedu Mafiana, who expressed appreciation for the participation of management, staff, and guests.
