The Distance Learning Institute (DLI) of the University of Lagos held its 3rd International Colloquium on August 8, 2024, coinciding with its 50th Anniversary.
The event, themed “The Massive and Ubiquitous Invasion of the Education Landscape by Artificial Intelligence: Whither Open, Flexible, and Distance Learning?”, brought together experts to discuss the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education in general and its impact on Open Distance Education in particular.
Held at the Nurudeen Alao Auditorium, the blended event held under the chairmanship of the President of the Nigeria Academy of Education, Professor Kabiru Isyaku, FNAE, and had in attendance dignitaries from all walks of life, including a former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief (Dr.) Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR.
In his remarks, former President Obasanjo highlighted the crisis in Nigerian education, noting that only 5 out of the nation’s 273 universities offer Open Distance Learning (ODL). He acknowledged the efforts of UNILAG’s Distance Learning Institute (DLI) and commended its leadership for combining the strengths of traditional distance learning with cutting-edge technologies.
The elder statesman, under whose leadership as President ODL was resuscitated with the commencement of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in 2002, seized the occasion to emphasise that ODL certificates are not inferior to regular certificates.
According to him, the force of technology has afforded ODL students a better chance to excel, just like their full-time counterparts. “I also enrolled in an open distance learning university”, he said. “As such we must repel the notion that ODL is secondary to traditional learning; because it is what I preach that I will practice, and it worked out.”
The Keynote Speaker, Prof. Ramesh C. Sharma, an expert in Open, Distance and Mediated Learning Technology from Ambedkar University, Delhi, India, emphasised AI’s potential to enhance teaching and learning, predict student success and identify at-risk students. He described Artificial Intelligence as a tool that could change the human experience more than any other technological invention, and allayed fears that AI will become a threat to jobs.
Earlier in her address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to ODL and to embracing technological advancements: “I want to assure you all that the University of Lagos, through active collaborations, will continue to explore alliances that will aid knowledge exchange within the confines of open, flexible distance learning that will enable flexibility, accessibility, and inclusivity, thus making education available to a wider range of students.”
The DLI Director, Prof. Risikat Dauda, discussed how technology has improved educational accessibility and efficiency. Recalling how the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a total re-examination of the traditional mode of institutional delivery, she noted that distance learning has gained significant traction as a viable alternative, bringing increased accessibility, efficiency and scalability.
The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Dr. Chris Maiyaki, represented by the Director, Open Distance and e-Learning (ODeL), Dr. Funmilayo Morebise, disclosed that the NUC has embarked on several key areas targeted towards meaningful developments in institutions of higher learning.
A panel discussion moderated by broadcast journalist Mr. Seun Okinbaloye explored the ethical implications of AI in education and its potential to support teaching and assessment. Panelists included Mr. Peter Rainger (virtual); the Vice-Chancellor of Miva Open University, Professor Taiwo Arulogun; Professor Monioluwa Olaniyi of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN); and Rachael Chikoore of the Harare Institute of Technology, Zimbabwe.
Goodwill messages came from the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE), Emeritus Professor Olu Jegede, pioneer Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, and the Commander, Nigerian Army Education Corps, Major-General A. B. Tosho.