NOUN Vice-Chancellor Inaugurates Seven ACETEL Laboratories

Professor Olufemi Peters, Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), inaugurated the newly-established laboratories at the Africa Centre of Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning (ACETEL). This initiative aims to bolster NOUN’s academic and research capabilities.

The groundbreaking event, held at NOUN’s headquarters in Abuja, marked a significant step in advancing technology-enhanced education. The commissioned laboratories include the Management Information Systems (MIS) Laboratory, Cybersecurity Laboratory, Virtual Reality Laboratory, ACETEL Basic Laboratory, Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, ACETEL – CISCO Academy, and the Multimedia Laboratory.

During his remarks, Professor Peters expressed gratitude to the World Bank for supporting ACETEL’s establishment. He praised the center’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate, emphasizing the uniqueness of its MSc and PhD programs.

Acknowledging ACETEL’s role as a postgraduate facility, Professor Peters encouraged collaboration between the center and NOUN’s faculties. Following the commissioning ceremony, he toured the seven laboratories, inspecting equipment and engaging with ACETEL staff and students.

Earlier, ACETEL Director Professor Grace Jokthan provided a brief history, highlighting that the center became fully operational in January 2021 despite challenges posed by COVID-19 and funding issues related to the Nigerian government’s agreement.

The Africa Centre of Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning (ACETEL) at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is making significant strides in revolutionizing digital education across the continent. With a comprehensive suite of programs at the MSc and PhD levels in Management Information Systems (MIS), Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence, ACETEL is poised to lead Africa’s educational transformation.

Professor Grace Jokthan, ACETEL’s Director, emphasized the collaborative effort behind the center’s success. Inputs from regional bodies, the NUC (National Universities Commission), the university itself, facilitators, industry partners, students, and the ACETEL team drive the center’s activities. These inputs fuel IT-based training, education, and research delivery, benefiting both the center and the broader region.

ACETEL’s academic programs have undergone rigorous resource verification and accreditation by the NUC. The center has also made significant progress toward institutional accreditation. Currently, ACETEL is in the process of seeking international program accreditation for its six specialized programs.

The center boasts 256 students, including 47 regional students and 35 females. Its state-of-the-art laboratories facilitate cutting-edge research and provide advanced learning opportunities for students and faculty alike.