Adamu Adamu, the Minister of Education says Information Communication Technology (ICT) is critical for global competitiveness in education.
Adamu made this known at the ongoing 3rd Biennial Conference of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors in Abuja.
According to him, the deployment and use of ICT in education is essential for accessing the vast information, knowledge network and resources available for improved teaching, learning, administration and innovation.
The minister stressed that with the present drive for global comparability and harmonisation of tertiary education qualifications, ICT deployment was a must in educational institutions.
“The intention here is to gradually migrate from the traditional to smart classrooms that are digitalised to facilitate teaching and learning in a creative manner.
“We are also looking at the possibility of digitalising the curriculum and books for ease of access to all students, teachers and lecturers in the shortest time possible,’’ he said.
Adamu, however, identified some challenges that were inherent in the sector that hinder the rapid development and deployment of the tools.
“Current deployment is low and most education personnel lack ICT skills; there is also shortage of ICT personnel across the nation.
“Issues of broadband and power outages are constraining factors that government is trying to address.
“However, we must look out for alternative support because government cannot do it alone, all hands must be on deck to make sure we achieve reasonable level of globalisation.’’
He, therefore, said the committee as critical stakeholders, must find a way to curve out a niche that would contribute to the drive for sustainable human and national development using ICT tools.
The two-day conference has as its theme: “Sustainable Tertiary Education in a Hash Economic Environment’’.
It has in attendance Pro-Chancellors from all universities in the country and other stakeholders in the sector.
