High cost of data, funding, skill gaps affecting E-learning in Africa- Prof Oyewole

The Secretary General of Association of African Universities (AAU), Accra Ghana, Prof Olusola Oyewole, has said problems of infrastructural deficits such as high costs of data, unreliable networks, skill gaps and funding are among the challenges affecting the implementation of E- learning in Africa. Oyewole, a professor of Food Science & Technology, who is working […]

The Secretary General of Association of African Universities (AAU), Accra Ghana, Prof Olusola Oyewole, has said problems of infrastructural deficits such as high costs of data, unreliable networks, skill gaps and funding are among the challenges affecting the implementation of E- learning in Africa.

Oyewole, a professor of Food Science & Technology, who is working in the interest of developing Higher education in Africa said African students pays triple of the cost of accessing data than their counterparts in developed countries.

He stated this as a keynote speaker at`the Opening Ceremony of the Africa Centre of Excellence Technology Enhanced Learning – National Open University of Nigeria ( ACETEL- NOUN) in conjunction with National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Maiden Exhibition and eLearning Conference in Abuja on Thursday.

The conference is with the theme: Harnessing Digital Innovations For Equitable Education and Sustainable Growth in Africa.”

He said the challenge of funding has created abject poverty and inadequate resources, which makes education avoidable as many learners are poor and may not afford to for it.

The don however, stressed that there is need to promote E- learning because it is the solution to many challenges of education in Africa such as access to school schools and educational infrastructures, quality education and inadequate teachers among others.

He said: “E-learning is a game changer in most African countries and things driving e-learning are Artificial Intelligence, virtual reality, mixing computer mediated learning and 5G, these are the future of learning in Africa.”

He said Africa should take action by developing policy and regulatory
frameworks for E-learning in Higher education as well as collaborate with each other in advancing E learning in African universities.

“Technology innovation, as they are emerging, let the institutions, Professors and learners learn as well so that no one is left behind,” he said.

He also called for blended learning, expanding Internet access, which involves government and private sectors. digital skills development and continued investment in digital literacy programme.

Earlier the Vice Chancellor of NOUN, Prof Peters Olufemi said in recent years, the education landscape has undergone rapid changes, driven by technological advancements, global interconnectedness, and the evolving needs of learners.

“The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, has underscored the urgency of embracing digital learning. What was once considered supplementary has now become essential for delivering knowledge and skills.”

He said : “Today, e-learning is not just a temporary solution; it is a revolutionary pathway shaping the future of education.”

“Today marks a significant milestone in harnessing digital innovation for education and sustainable growth in Africa, fostering international communication and development technology,” he said.

While noting that they are at the conference to reflect on how digital tools and solutions can transform teaching and learning experiences and explore the broader implications of technology, he said “NOUN stands as the foremost institution dedicated to open and distance education in our country.”

Speaking, Director of ACETEL, Prof Grace Jokhan said the theme resonates deeply with their activities at ACETEL.

“Over the past years the Centre has been committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the education space by leveraging digital solutions to enhance learning, foster inclusivity, and create opportunities for growth across the African continent,” she said.

She said the rapid evolution of global education has significantly accelerated the adoption of digital learning, underscoring the importance of flexible and innovative educational models that can reach learners wherever they are.

“At ACETEL, we recognize that technology has the power to democratize access to education, ensuring that the quality of education remains high, and that digital tools are used not just for convenience but for meaningful and transformative
learning experiences.”

Meanwhile, the exhibition will spotlight some of the most groundbreaking innovations in EdTech, drawing from the university’s rich pool of student and faculty research. It will also highlight the creative potential within academia and the transformative role of digital technology in education.