TETFund champions digital literacy for Nigeria’s Tertiary Education System
To address the challenges posed by the digital age and equip the nation’s tertiary education system for the future, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has taken significant steps to promote digital literacy and technological integration.
During a recent convocation ceremony at Lagos State University, Mr Sonny Echono, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, highlighted the importance of embracing digital technologies in education.
His speech shed light on TETFund’s efforts to bridge the digital divide and transform Nigeria’s higher education landscape. This article explores the key points from Echono’s speech and underscores TETFund’s commitment to digital literacy initiatives.
Echono emphasized that the digital age has revolutionised the business landscape and underscored the need for institutions to adapt rapidly to stay relevant. In the context of education, this adaptation involves integrating digital technologies, tools, and resources into the teaching and learning process.
Additionally, TETFund recognises the importance of ancillary technologies such as Computer Based Test (CBT) centres, admissions and clearance portals, and digital repositories and libraries for academic output storage and sharing.
One of the fundamental outcomes of the digital age is increased access to education, particularly in regions where physical infrastructure and socio-economic factors limit traditional educational opportunities. TETFund acknowledges this transformative potential and contributes to the evolution of hybrid learning models through its Digitisation roadmap and ICT-driven projects. By leveraging digital technologies, TETFund aims to bridge the gap and provide equal access to education for all.
The executive secretary acknowledged the challenges confronting Nigeria’s higher education institutions, which mirror those faced globally. He highlighted the inadequacy of teaching personnel, poor curriculum quality, lack of exposure to modern pedagogical techniques, inadequate funding, governance deficits, and a paucity of facilities for teaching and research. These challenges necessitate a comprehensive transformation of the education system to meet the demands of the digital age.
Digital literacy emerges as a key factor in preparing graduates for the innovation-driven economy of today. He stressed that digital literacy is an essential skill in navigating the 21st-century world, where technology dominates all aspects of life and work. The shift in skill demand has created a void in skill supply, leading to a shortage of people with key skills required by global companies. TETFund aims to address this gap by promoting digital literacy at all levels of education in Nigeria.
Echono highlighted TETFund’s commitment to digital literacy and skills development as a means to empower Nigeria’s workforce and graduates.
He said: “TETFund’s Advisory Committee on Digital Literacy, Productivity, and Emerging Skills was established to integrate global trends and best practices into the tertiary education system. The committee aims to ignite a process of blending digital advantages into Nigerian tertiary education, providing students and workers with the necessary skills for sustainable prosperity.
“Under its Digitisation roadmap, TETFund intends to achieve several objectives, including preparing a digitally literate and highly skilled workforce, supporting Nigeria’s digital economy vision, and propelling the nation’s advancement in digital technologies. TETFund aims to provide comprehensive digital literacy training for staff and students, aligning with the National Digital Literacy Framework and National Development Plan. Through these initiatives, TETFund seeks to transform Nigerian society and contribute to the country’s digital economy.
“In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, TETFund recognises the urgent need to embrace digital literacy and technological integration in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.”
