OPENING REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE, HIS EXCELLENCY (DR.) ABUBAKAR BUKOLA SARAKI, MBBS, CON, AT THE PUBLIC HEARING ORGANIZED BY THE JOINT SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION (BASIC AND SECONDARY), TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS AND TETFUND, AND COMMUNICATIONS HELD ON JANUARY 23, 2018.
PROTOCOL.
1.It is my pleasure to be invited to declare open this Public Hearing on Innovative Education Technology: E-Learning and Blended Learning in the Education Sector in Nigeria. I thank the Chairman and members of this Joint Senate Committee on Education (Basic and Secondary), Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND, and Communication for the work done so far, and for organising this Public Hearing.
2.The objective of providing the most resourceful and effective instructional experience in our nation’s educational system calls for the adoption of conventional and innovative methods of pedagogy, the effectiveness of which often depends on the subject to be taught. In a world where the dynamics of learning are constantly evolving, the measure of competence, and expected outcome of learning, have gone beyond mere skills to include the attitudes and stamina needed to execute necessary tasks.
3.The falling standard of education in Nigeria has been a major concern to all stakeholders for many years now. However, one viable option proffered by experts and education stakeholders as a means of reviving and transforming our ailing educational system is the adoption of technology-mediated learning. Many argue that this method of learning encompasses different teaching and learning approaches, and is supported by the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). One example of technology-mediated learning is BLENDED LEARNING, which is defined as a teaching and learning approach that combines online learning and face-to-face instructions in the most effective way for optimal learning outcome.
4.The benefits of blended learning – and ways by which some of its advantages could be used to reduce challenges facing the Nigeria educational system – are part of what the public expects that this eminent gathering will deliberate upon today, with a view to putting forward recommendations for further legislative action by the Senate. The joint committee’s report is expected to be submitted within four weeks.
5.Through this innovation, it is expected that our educational sector would reap many benefits, such as: reduced cost on expansion and maintenance of infrastructure; improved safety of life and property in schools; reduction in national illiteracy level, and much more. I also task this joint committee to look into some identified challenges militating against the smooth operation and adoption of blended learning into the Nigerian educational sector. These include; poor power supply, paucity of skilled manpower, poor internet connectivity and corruption, amongst others.
6.Ladies and Gentlemen, I must, at this point, take the opportunity to salute the forthrightness of the sponsor of this motion, Distinguished Senator Rose Okoh, for her well researched and apt initiative that is the precursor of this Public Hearing.
7.Let me also state, once again, that this Senate remains resolute in ensuring that every effort is deployed to facilitating the provision of necessary infrastructure and legislation for the development of our nation’s education sector. I am persuaded that the outcome of this Public Hearing will serve as a veritable platform for revolutionising education in Nigeria.
8.And so, without further ado, Ladies and Gentlemen, I have the singular pleasure, honour and privilege to declare this Public Hearing open.
9.Thank you for your kind attention. I wish you all a most successful deliberation.
THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
