In a recent interview, Dr. Chris Maiyaki, the Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), urged for the development and implementation of policies that ensure equitable digital access and tackle the obstacles encountered by marginalized groups. He stressed the necessity of ongoing assessments to gauge the effectiveness of digital transformation initiatives with an emphasis on data-driven enhancements.

Maiyaki made these remarks during the opening ceremony of the 2024 International Week and the 17th Annual Research Conference at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), which was themed ‘Inclusive Digital Transformation and the University Promise.’ The event aimed to delve into how technology can foster inclusive learning environments.

“Adopting inclusive digital strategies allows universities to leverage technology to enhance learning outcomes, bolster community engagement, and align with global best practices,” Maiyaki stated. He praised the conference as timely and progressive, particularly in light of the ongoing changes in education and industry propelled by technology.

“This event serves as a critical platform to explore how digital transformation can enhance education, promote inclusivity, and drive global development,” he added. “The theme underscores the significance of digital inclusivity in closing educational gaps, advancing health equity, and nurturing sustainable partnerships.”

Maiyaki further emphasized the pivotal role of the University of Lagos in positioning Lagos State as Nigeria’s center for economic, industrial, and technological advancement. He noted that the university is ideally situated to cultivate entrepreneurial ecosystems through talent development, research, innovation, and industry collaborations.

“The UNILAG International Week provides stakeholders in higher education a valuable opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue and tackle the ongoing challenges in international education. It also furthers the university’s ambitions toward internationalization, bringing it closer to its goal of ranking among the world’s leading universities,” Maiyaki explained.

In her earlier remarks, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola, the university’s Vice Chancellor, pointed out that International Week is more than just a series of events; it is a crucial avenue for the institution to connect with the global community, build new partnerships, and make progressive advancements in cross-border academic collaboration.

“Every year, we dedicate a week to reflect on our achievements and strategize on how to enhance our global relevance through international partnerships,” Ogunsola shared. She added that the program’s theme illustrates the concrete actions taken to integrate technology into every facet of learning.

“Recently, we launched a pilot program providing 250 licenses for our STEM undergraduates to access courses on Coursera. Last session, this initiative evolved into a fully integrated program within our curriculum, enabling students to enroll in world-class courses from prestigious institutions like the University of California, San Diego, and IBM. Our goal was to encourage our undergraduate students to align their learning pace with our traditional curriculum, giving them a competitive edge in the digital landscape. Due to the success of the pilot, we plan to expand this initiative across other departments as we work towards creating a future-ready environment,” she elaborated.

In a conversation with journalists, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the Executive Secretary of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), commended UNILAG for its dedication to digital transformation. He highlighted JAMB’s support for automating admission processes while advising caution regarding the reliance on online information.

“While digital tools like generative AI offer significant benefits, we must ensure they are complemented by sound human judgment,” Oloyede remarked.

Prof. Olumuyiwa Adesanya, Vice-Chancellor of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), stated that his institution is harnessing technology to improve administrative processes, including result processing. However, he identified funding, data accessibility, and fostering innovation as key challenges that require attention.