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Technology has rapidly changed the way we live—we shop online, stream content, connect seamlessly with friends and family, access healthcare, book rides, and generally achieve many things we would have never imagined. The larger consensus is that our lives have been impacted for the better.
In This Post
Challenges in Traditional Educational Models
Educational settings, however, have evolved slower—classrooms remain a common norm with the traditional methods of a teacher in front of learners who have to congregate in a physical space. This was effective until population figures started to surge worldwide, especially in Africa.
The Nigerian Context
Nigeria, with an estimated population of over 220 million people, projected to reach over 375 million in 2050, has a median age of 18.1 years. 70% of the population is under 30 years, while 42% is under 15 years. UNICEF puts out-of-school children at 18.3 million, 1 in 3 children in Nigeria. This accounts for primary and junior secondary levels only.
The government of Nigeria is implementing several initiatives to mitigate this, building or renovating classrooms, training teachers and pushing advocacy. According to UBEC, Nigeria needs 907,769 new classrooms and 194,876 new teachers to absorb the population of out-of-school children.
This is time and capital-intensive. Can technology play a role in addressing these shortages at scale?
Higher Education and the Role of Technology
Limited Access to University Education
In the tertiary sector, Nigerian universities have acquitted themselves credibly in the African landscape, with over twenty ranking in the top 100 on the 2025 THE rankings. Access, however, is limited due to space constraints. 1.8 million to 2 million candidates take the university matriculation examination every year for a little over 700,000 spaces. In absolute terms, over 1 million candidates do not get seats in a university.
Expanding Access Through Online and Blended Learning
The National Universities Commission (NUC) took a bold step to address this by licensing private, open distance learning universities that deploy online blended learning to expand access to tertiary education. This shift has opened up spaces that did not exist due to brick-and-mortar limitations and also driven the impetus for innovation that arguably has outcomes for deeper learning.
The emergence of online learning in higher education, though not novel, represents not just a technological evolution but a transformative shift in how knowledge is delivered, accessed, and experienced. In a university setting, online learning leverages digital platforms to overcome traditional space constraints, enabling institutions to reach a wider audience.
The adoption of online and blended learning models allows for flexibility in scheduling, diverse pedagogical approaches, and increased accessibility—especially critical in regions like Nigeria, where university space is at a premium.
The Blended Learning Approach
One of the primary modes of online learning is the blended learning approach. In this model, instruction is delivered in synchronous or asynchronous modes with online components that allow students to engage with lecture materials, interactive content, and digital discussions beyond the classroom.
This approach not only addresses physical space limitations but also caters to different learning styles. For instance, asynchronous elements—such as pre-recorded lectures and discussion forums—enable students to learn at their own pace, while synchronous sessions, like live video classes or real-time group discussions, foster immediate interaction and clarification.
Key Enablers of Online Learning in Nigeria
Internet and Mobile Penetration
What has evolved to make this possible in Nigeria? NBS data puts Nigeria’s total number of active internet subscribers at 164 million in Q1 2024, from 157 million reported in Q1 2023, showing an increase of 4.33%. Mobile phone penetration is put at over 87%, with 172 million mobile subscribers.
Broadband connectivity is among the key enablers that have driven the expansion of online education. Even remote communities are increasingly connected through affordable mobile networks and enhanced internet coverage.
This connectivity is crucial because it allows students to access course materials, engage in virtual classrooms, and collaborate with peers and instructors in real time. With mobile-friendly learning management systems (LMS) and educational apps, institutions are now better equipped to deliver content that is accessible anytime, anywhere.
Moreover, improvements in broadband speed and reliability have supported high-quality video streaming and interactive virtual sessions, which are integral to the online learning experience.
Emerging Digital Technologies
The digital transformation in education is also propelled by innovative technologies that enhance the learning experience. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, for example, are being integrated into educational platforms to offer personalised learning experiences.
The Future of Online Learning in Nigeria
Pedagogical Innovations
Beyond technology itself, the evolution of online learning is also influenced by pedagogical innovations. Universities are increasingly collaborating with industry experts to design courses that blend theoretical knowledge with practical skills. These collaborations often result in curricula that are dynamic, interactive, and aligned with current market demands. This blend of academic rigour and practical application ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the challenges of a modern, technology-driven workforce.
Expanding Educational Access
Looking ahead, the future of online university learning holds tremendous promise. As emerging technologies continue to advance, they will undoubtedly unlock new possibilities for enhancing educational access and quality. Additionally, the proliferation of data analytics will empower universities to track learning outcomes in unprecedented detail, providing insights that can lead to more effective teaching methods and curriculum improvements.
Another exciting prospect is the further democratisation of education through Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and micro-credentialing programmes. These initiatives enable learners from across the globe to access high-quality courses from leading institutions without the traditional barriers of geography or cost.
In the future, we may see a more modular approach to education, where students can build personalised learning pathways that integrate short, focused courses into a broader, accredited degree programme.
Enhanced Collaboration and Digital Tools
Finally, as collaboration becomes increasingly vital in a globalised world, future online learning platforms will likely incorporate more advanced collaborative tools. These tools will not only facilitate academic discussions but also simulate real-world team projects, preparing students for the collaborative nature of modern workplaces.
Conclusion
In summary, the evolution of online learning in the university setting is a multifaceted journey driven by technological enablers like mobile phones and broadband penetration, innovative digital tools, and evolving pedagogical practices. With these advancements, universities are better positioned to meet the growing demand for accessible, flexible, and high-quality education.
The future of online learning promises even greater integration of emerging technologies, paving the way for an educational landscape that is not only more accessible but also more attuned to the needs of a rapidly changing global economy.
