Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has urged for the creation of more online universities to drive the growth and development of Nigeria’s education system.
Speaking at the Nexford University 2024 graduation ceremony in Lagos on Saturday, Obi argued that online education is crucial for providing high-quality education at scale, especially given the current limitations of the Nigerian education system.
According to the National Universities Commission (NUC), Nigeria’s universities can only accommodate 700,000 out of the two million students who apply for admission annually.
Obi emphasised that online universities could provide a scalable and sustainable solution to this challenge.
He cited countries such as Pakistan, India, Turkey, and Bangladesh, where online universities have enrolled more students than all of Nigeria’s traditional universities combined.
“We need to do it. We need to massively educate people because education is one of the most important tools of development,” Obi said, stressing the importance of expanding access to quality education.
Former Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah, echoed Obi’s sentiments, highlighting the transformative potential of tech-enabled online education.
He emphasised that online learning helps break down barriers and positions students for global opportunities.
Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, the CEO of Human Capital Africa and former Minister of Education, noted that education, like that offered by Nexford University, plays a crucial role in preparing Nigerians and Africans to compete on the global stage.
She pointed out that Africa’s young population is key to addressing the world’s workforce needs in the coming decades.
Ezekwesili also praised Nexford for offering cutting-edge, globally recognised education, including courses in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, blockchain, leadership, and communication skills.
Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Olatubosun Alake, spoke about how online education has democratised learning and improved educational outcomes.
He highlighted the importance of integrating technology into education to foster socio-economic growth.
Nexford University CEO, Fadl Al Tarzi, also underscored the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of education.
He revealed that nearly 40% of the university’s graduates have studied AI, which is integrated into all of its courses.
Al Tarzi also highlighted the university’s mission to enable economic mobility globally without requiring students to leave their countries.
The graduation ceremony marked a significant milestone as 1,200 students graduated from Nexford University, with plans to double this number annually.
Al Tarzi emphasised that Nexford’s approach empowers students to access economic opportunities, regardless of location, and to contribute to global development through knowledge transfer.
