Stakeholders in the education sector have emphasised the importance of using technology to close the education gap in Africa.
They stated this during a virtual meeting tagged ‘Education Beyond Borders’ organised by The African Professionals of Australia (APA), Nigeria Chapter, via Zoom.
Mr Tommy Adebayo, the President of the association, spoke about The African Professionals of Australia (APA), one of the largest not-for-profit African organisations in Australia, founded in 2007 in Perth, WA.
He said APA currently has a national membership of 2500 members from 30 countries and 25 different professions.
He noted that the topic of discussion, ‘Education Beyond Borders,’ was all about collaboration, sharing knowledge, and leveraging technology, which is very relevant at this time to achieving the SDG four and SDG 17 goals for education in Africa.
In her keynote address, Hon. Abike Dabiri Erewa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), said the choice of the topic “EDUCATION BEYOND BORDERS,” which coincided with the alarming rate of Child/Human Trafficking and Irregular Migration among the youth, could not have been more apt at this time.
She said there has been a renewed emphasis on sensitization and education about the dangers and consequences of irregular migration, which has resulted in the destruction and loss of lives of our future generation in search of greener pastures.
“Education is the bedrock of the development of any nation, and it must be given utmost priority to put the minds of the youth in the right perspectives for the future challenge of global advancement.
“There’s a need to create a more formidable collaboration between Australia and Nigerian universities, to encourage our teeming youth in focusing more on studying abroad legitimately rather than channeling all their energy on illegal migration through the back door which results in huge regrets,” the NIDCOM boss said.
Also, Dr Olajumoke Akere, International Professional and Partnership Director, APA, said education should be a collaborative effort lasting a lifetime.
According to her, the learning model should be designed to connect global ‘best practices’ to those at the local level, who can build their capacity and, in so doing, change their communities.
It is through this approach that we can connect schools for a continued and sustained relationship, enabling teachers and students to grow together through shared experiences and global education,” Akere said.
She enjoined the government to prioritise education and ensure all students have the right to get the best education.
We must be deliberate and strategic about implementing policies that will remove barriers to education and stop students from having fulfilling education experiences.
“Virtual/online/distance learning should be encouraged and recognized. This mode of learning gives educators an opportunity to reach students who may not be able to enroll in a traditional classroom course and supports students who need to work on their own schedule and at their own pace.
“Youths must leverage technology to upskill to prepare for future workplace which is technologically driven,” Akere said.
Other speakers at the event, Success Ojo USA,Ciara Morris UK, Barbara Devin Germany, and Toyin Awoderu, also emphasized the importance of closing the education gap in Africa and the vital role technology has to play in tackling this and other educational challenges.
This is a very interesting programme for Nigeria youth and the programme reaches our youth in the rural communities and villages because they are not informed at all.