Rapid advancements in the field of technology have caused a great deal of progress to many sectors. Education is one major sector. Education in particular, has been very stagnant in its progress with not many changes in the centuries it has been developed. This is evident in the modern-day education and schooling system.
Education in Nigeria has recently been gaining access to all the perks that come along with technological development. In this article, we will delve into the role of technology when it comes to enhancing education in Nigeria, highlighting its benefits, challenges, and prospects. We will take a look at all the several resources that are now available for students in and out of school so stay tuned.
Technological advancements for education in Nigeria
Education in Nigeria has advanced thanks to many contributions of digital resources. These resources are diverse in utility, each offering a unique approach to learning. From e-learning platforms to digital libraries, here are the many advancements that have made digital resources available to enthusiastic students willing to increase in their education:
E-learning platforms
Electronic learning or E-learning platforms are interactive online services that supply students, teachers, education bodies, and any others involved in education with the necessary information, tools, and resources to boost in the education journey.
E-learning platforms are revolutionizing access to education in Nigeria. Many companies have developed platforms specifically catered to Nigerians. Platforms like uLesson and Tuteria give students access to a variety of educational resources, from video tutorials to interactive quizzes, taking learning beyond just classrooms. Here is a list of the best E-learning platforms in Nigeria below:
- uLesson
- StudyLab 360
- National Open University (NOUN)
- Roducate
- Prepclass
- Easyprep
- ClassNotes.ng
- 9IJA KIDS
- Tuteria
Note that this list is in no particular order.
Mobile learning
Learning is no more limited to only those who own expensive computers. Nowadays, everyone owns a mobile smartphone with varying price range making it affordable to all. With even the lowest priced smartphones coming with all the functionalities of the most expensive ones, mobile learning has become an increasingly viable option. mobile apps have given students access to educational content on the go, making learning extremely flexible and accessible, especially to those in remote areas with limited educational infrastructure.
Because of the popularity of mobile devices, e-learning platforms have dedicated a large amount of their resources to making their content mobile friendly and sometimes even mobile exclusive. Most Nigerian e-platforms have a mobile friendly version which allows anyone with a smartphone to to access it anywhere. Here is a list of the best mobile E-learning platforms in Nigeria below:
- uLesson
- Pass.ng
- Tuteria
Online courses
The availability of online courses is one of the most crucial digital resources that came about as a result of technological development. Online courses give students the option to study everything they would in a traditional classroom online. These courses are also backed and certified by accredited Universities and other tertiary institutions globally.
Elite universities like Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology(MIT) offer many of their undergraduate and postgraduate courses on their website for free. Now a days, an online course certificate is almost regarded in the same light as a regular certificate earned physically.
Online courses are not only limited to degrees but also offer certified skill courses that often teach you everything you need to know to master a skill. Skills like graphic design, marketing skills, and programming languages are all taught by online courses. In fact many of the people that get jobs online with these skill sets attained them through an online course. From YouTube to Coursera, many websites offer online courses paid and free. Here is a list of the best websites for online courses in Nigeria:
- YouTube
- Udemy
- Coursera
- edX
- MIT OpenCourseWare
- Khan Academy
- Udacity
- Skillshare
- Codeacademy
- Harvard University
This is but of few of the countless online course websites that are available online. Doing a bit more research will reveal a greater arsenal of websites each catered to a unique field of education in Nigeria. Online courses are key, as they provide students the ability to gain skills and knowledge from the very comfort of their homes at any time.
Digital libraries and resources
Digital libraries also serve as a place that store digital books, school textbooks, news papers, research papers, and countless other academic resources for the use of people online. Digital libraries keep track of all major important academic resources that would otherwise be lost to time. This is crucial especially to those people researching and publishing new documents. It serves as a place to get a catalogue of primary sources to information internationally and nationally with precise categorization to ensure pinpoint accuracy in referencing and other sectors that use those information.
For Nigerians, The National Virtual Library of Nigeria (NVLN) serves as such a place. NVLN offers a remote digital access to international and national learning materials, books, journals, magazines, and newspapers from all major Nigerian news outlets. This virtual library increases research capabilities and help support self-directed learning, fostering a culture of academic excellence among Nigerians.
Challenges of technological integration to education in Nigeria
At the very roots, the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of factors that challenge the integration of technology to education in Nigeria is the very prevalent lack of infrastructural capabilities in the country. So many schools, particularly among the more rural parts of Nigeria lack the very basic facilities such as electricity and internet connectivity which hinders the adoption of technology.
The high cost of technological devices and internet services is another factor that hinders the technological integration to education in Nigeria. As smart phones become an increasing necessity, so does its price. A smart phone is the very basic when it comes to access to online education and so that is why more affordable solutions along with government subsidies are needed in the strive to make devices more accessible to everyone no matter the background.
Training our educators is also key to integrating technology into education in Nigeria. Our teachers are those who lay upon us the foundational knowledge required for our development. It is of the utmost importance for us to equipped them with adequate knowledge and especially the right technologies that would aid in our education. As soon as the teachers are not kept up with the latest educational technologies, students will also be lacking in competing with the ever-evolving world. Initiatives need to be taken to ensure that teachers are always equipped with the proper skills and knowledge to leverage technology in the education system.
Final thoughts
The future of education in Nigeria is guaranteed to see the continued expansion and use of e-learning and online education. In the ever-changing world of technological advancements and internet penetration albeit slow into more rural areas, there is no question that more and more students will have access to quality education through digital platforms. With the rise of Artificial Intelligence, Virtual and Augmented Reality, the potential of traditional education to transform and become something great is unquestionable. Leading to enhancements in teaching methods and learning outcomes.
