The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc. Sonny Echono, has expressed disappointment over the slow pace of digital adoption in Nigerian tertiary institutions. He noted that despite the benefits of digital technologies in education, many institutions in Nigeria are lagging behind. Echono made this remark during an engagement meeting with beneficiary institutions of TETFUND interventions in Abuja.
Echono highlighted the importance of digital technologies in expanding access to education and improving the quality of learning. He mentioned that the TERAS platform, created by TETFund, provides a digital solution for teaching and learning at no cost to institutions. However, he expressed concern that the adoption rate has been slow, with less than 60% of teaching staff competent in digital modes of delivery.
The TETFund boss emphasized the need for institutions to leverage digital resources to provide hybrid models of learning, including online lectures. He noted that this would not only improve access to education but also provide students with a seamless learning experience. Echono also stressed the importance of embracing technology, rather than fearing it, and mitigating the moral hazards associated with the use of artificial intelligence.
In addition to digital adoption, Echono also addressed the issue of security lapses in tertiary institutions. He noted that institutions have a responsibility to ensure the safety of students and staff on campus. Echono mentioned that TETFund is aggressively providing hostels and pursuing hostel codes through public-private partnerships and direct construction to address the issue of students living off-campus.
Echono also criticized institutions for their reliance on government funding, rather than exploring profitable ventures to boost their finances. He noted that this has resulted in a lack of innovation and entrepreneurship in the sector. The TETFund boss emphasized the need for institutions to design and implement their own security measures, rather than relying on a single template.
The engagement meeting with beneficiary institutions aimed to outline the deficiencies in the sector, including poor security systems and failure to leverage public-private partnerships. Echono noted that TETFund is committed to supporting institutions in addressing these challenges and improving the quality of education in Nigeria.
The slow pace of digital adoption in Nigerian tertiary institutions has significant implications for the quality of education and the ability of institutions to compete globally. Echono's remarks highlight the need for institutions to adapt to the changing landscape of education and leverage digital technologies to improve learning outcomes.
Key points
- TETFund criticizes Nigerian tertiary institutions for slow digital adoption.
- Institutions urged to leverage digital resources to improve learning outcomes.
- TETFund to support institutions in addressing security lapses and improving education quality.
