3rd Int’l DLI Colloquium: Experts and Stakeholders Explore AI’s Impact on Open Distance Education

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 the ODL was resuscitated with the commencement of the National Open University (NOUN) in Nigeria in 2002 seized the occasion to emphasize 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, emphasized AI’s potential to enhance teaching and learning, predicting student success and identifying at-risk students.

The expert in Open and Distance and Mediated Learning Technology from Ambedkar University, Delhi, India identified Artificial Intelligence as a tool that could change the human experience more than any other technological invention has ever done.

While he acknowledged the potential of AI integration in education as promising, he allayed fears that AI will become a threat to people losing jobs.

Earlier in her address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS reaffirmed the university’s commitment to ODL and embracing technological advancements. She described the theme of the event as one which illustrates the paradigm shift in higher education and the need for managers of higher tertiary institutions to recognize and embrace it.

Her words: “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. Risqat Dauda, discussed how technology has improved educational accessibility and efficiency. While recalling how the COVID-19 Pandemic necessitated a total re-examination of the traditional approach to the mode of institutional delivery, Prof. Dauda revealed that distance learning has gained significant traction as a viable alternative, especially with the advancement in technology.

She affirmed the invasive effect of technology on technology on education and was quick to identify its impact as enhancing of education delivery and engagement, bringing about increased accessibility, efficiency, and scalability.

On his part, Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Dr. Chris Maiyaki who was represented by the Director, Open Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) in the Commission, Dr. Funmilayo Morebise disclosed that the NUC has embarked on several key areas targeted towards meaningful developments in institutions of higher learning.

A panel of discussion, which was moderated by celebrated broadcast journalist, Mr. Seun Okinbaloye, explored the ethical implications of AI in education and its potential to support teaching and assessment.

Mr. Peter Rainger (Virtual), the Vice-Chancellor of Miva Open University, Professor Taiwo Arulogun, Professor Monioluwa Olaniyi from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), and Racheal Chikoore from the Harare Institute of Technology, Zimbabwe were eminent members of the panel.

A representative of the International Council for Open Distance Education (ICDE), Professor Marck Nicholes from Switzerland led the array of goodwill remarks. Emeritus Professor Olu Jegede, and pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and the Commander, Nigeria Army Education Corps, Major-General A B Tosho were also on ground to congratulate the University of Lagos on a successful hosting of the 3rd International Colloquium, describing it as the way to go for the globalisation of education.

Ahead of the event, the Distance Learning Institute (DLI) had held a pre-Colloquium workshop on Wednesday, August 7, 2024.

The event which serves as a curtain raiser had a Professor of Computer Engineering and Vice-Chancellor of Miva Open University, Abuja, Professor Tayo Oladiran Arulogun underscore the importance of artificial intelligence and data to apprise policy interventions that would promote sustainable development in open distance learning education.

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Report: Bayo Salau

Photographs: Ayo Oloyede