The mention of access to a global library through the platform addresses a long-standing limitation in Nigerian education – the lack of access to credible and contemporary learning materials.
The mention of access to a global library through the platform addresses a long-standing limitation in Nigerian education – the lack of access to credible and contemporary learning materials.
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund’s (TETFund) collaboration with Anthology, a renowned US-based EdTech firm, marks a significant leap in advancing online education for Nigerian students. This partnership aims to enhance accessibility and affordability of online educational offerings, a step towards addressing the critical need for educational reform in Nigeria.
The recent visit by Anthology to TETFund signifies a strategic move to consolidate this partnership, an effort critical in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic that exposed the vulnerabilities in the traditional educational system. Anthology’s impressive global footprint, supporting over 150 million users across 80 countries, along with its mission to provide dynamic, data-informed experiences, positions it as an ideal ally for TETFund in this endeavor.
The Blackboard Learn project, a key aspect of this collaboration, is particularly noteworthy. Already enrolling about three million Nigerian end-users across 253 institutions, this project is a testament to the scale and potential impact of this partnership.
The Blackboard system, a part of the recently launched Tertiary Education Research, Applications and Services (TERAS), is not just a learning management system but a comprehensive platform that encompasses various aspects of educational management from admissions to graduation.
The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arch. Sonny Echono, highlighted the ambition to establish Centres of Excellence in Nigeria, setting a benchmark for online learning methodologies. Echono’s vision that the Blackboard system will place Nigeria at the forefront of learning management systems is ambitious yet achievable, given the scale and expertise of Anthology.
“It is a platform that handles everything, even from management of the institutions to the process of seeking admission – when you get enrolled to how you finish. Also, the Blackboard is able to provide content for all the institutions and the real-time engagement that the institutional ecosystem operates.
“It also gives us the opportunity to be able to benchmark what is happening in other institutions around the globe that are all using the same platforms,” Echono said.
His reference to COVID-19 and the need to be prepared for similar future scenarios underscores the urgency and relevance of this initiative.
Joe Belenardo, President of Anthology, emphasized Blackboard’s global credibility, with about 6,000 clients and 150 million students. This global perspective is crucial, as it brings world-class educational practices and technologies to Nigerian students, potentially bridging gaps in ICT skills and global competencies.
“We will make a difference in making the world a better place,” he said.
Ladipo Adedeji, the Country Director and Channel Partner for Anthology Nigeria, brought an interesting angle to the discussion, highlighting the system’s capability to function both online and offline. This dual functionality is crucial in a country like Nigeria, where internet connectivity can be inconsistent.
“It is not just about online learning; the learning management system allows you to function in schools whether it is online or offline. As you will find out, nobody carries lecture notes anymore; nobody submits physical assignments anymore. So, this allows lecturers to teach more efficiently; allows students to learn efficiently in a sensitive way.
“Part of the laudable project that TETFund has done is the issue of subscription that allows each student access to a global library. Part of the limitations of a lot of people is that they have no access to credible material but with the platform, the limitation will be addressed,” he stated.
The mention of access to a global library through the platform addresses a long-standing limitation in Nigerian education – the lack of access to credible and contemporary learning materials. The possibility of learning diverse subjects, like Yoruba language in a Brazilian university, exemplifies the global integration that this partnership aims to achieve.
“The feature of this is that you can learn Yoruba in a university in Brazil. This is taking Nigeria into that 21st/22nd century and that is what TETFund has been able to achieve with this laudable project,” he said.
During the team’s visit to the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, the broader vision of educational reform from basic to tertiary levels was underscored. The Minister’s enthusiasm and commitment to providing necessary support for this initiative are promising signs for its success and sustainability.
“We are at the beginning of major reform in the education sector from the basic levels to tertiary levels.
“We know that physical capacity is a limiting factor but through IT, you can reach practically everybody and we are determined to do it,” said the Minister.
The TETFund and Anthology partnership is a groundbreaking initiative with the potential to revolutionize Nigeria’s educational landscape. It is not just an investment in education technology but a strategic move towards globalizing Nigerian education, enhancing its quality, and making it more accessible and equitable.
This partnership could serve as a model for other countries in the region, showcasing the transformative power of technology in education.
