The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced plans to improve the educational standard in the country, which will promote open education and provide certified access to high quality of education across all levels. In view of this, the Federal Government has decided to launch a new e-learning programme to aid the plan.
The Nigerian Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu launched the new e-learning platform in Abuja, saying that it would help the country in combating the problem of children who are currently out of school, and also help to bolster the delivery of education for all people through the use of technology.
Since the initial stage of the pandemic, schools across primary, secondary and tertiary levels have started to make use of online methods to deliver their lessons. This has seen platforms like Zoom, WhatsApp, Telegram, Google Classroom, Google Meet, etc. take the stage as the leading learning platforms.
The new e-learning platform will not be making use of an app, but will instead be done through the web. He said that about two million people will be able to use the platform at the same time. In terms of execution, Adamu – who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Sonny Echono – said that those who have direct access to the internet will obviously be able to access all the materials provided. However, these learning materials will also be made available on other channels like radio and television, among others. He said that this is to consider potential learners living in rural areas.
According to Adamu, the Federal Government is not turning a blind eye to the growing need for an improvement in technologies and innovation, in order to improve digital skills and create new job opportunities for youths in this increasingly digitalised world.
Adamu referred to the COVID-19 pandemic and cited how the educational sector had to undergo a revamp concerning teaching and learning methods, calling it a new normal. This made the Federal Government develop a new COVID-19 education strategy.
Adamu stated that the country turned to the internet and technology so that those who would benefit from it would be able to access the learning materials at any place, and at any time.