NOUN to Launch Postgraduate Diploma in Smart Education for Teachers, Seals Deal with UBEC

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is set to commence the award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Smart Education, designed to equip teachers with cutting-edge skills in technology-driven learning. This initiative comes as part of a collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday in Abuja.

The partnership aims to improve the quality of teaching in Nigerian schools by integrating modern technology into classroom practices. UBEC's Executive Secretary, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, and NOUN's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olufemi Peters, signed the agreement on behalf of their institutions.

Dr. Bobboyi emphasized that the new course will be offered as part of the UBEC Teacher Internship Scheme, which includes a six-month Smart Education Primer course and a one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Smart Education. These courses are designed to provide teachers with essential skills to deliver technology-enhanced lessons in UBEC Model and Effective Schools.

"As a world-class education intervention and regulatory agency, UBEC is committed to preparing teachers who will produce globally competitive learners," said Bobboyi. He noted that the integration of technology in teaching is key to improving educational outcomes and fostering lifelong learning.

The initiative is set to enhance literacy in technology pedagogy across schools in Nigeria, with participating interns expected to man UBEC's Smart schools and other tech-driven educational facilities. Bobboyi urged state Universal Basic Education Boards and other stakeholders to take advantage of the expertise developed through the Teacher Internship Scheme.

NOUN's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peters, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership, noting that it aligns with both institutions' commitment to providing quality education. He assured that NOUN’s Faculty of Education is well-positioned to support the successful implementation of the new course.

This collaboration marks a significant step in revolutionizing Nigeria's educational landscape by integrating digital tools into teaching, making both teachers and students more globally competitive.