UTME: Evidence of systematic collapse of Nigeria’s education sector – NAUS  Vanguard News
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The 3rd ODeLAN International Conference, held from May 14th to 16th at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Conference Centre, Jabi, Abuja, concluded with a strong call for adaptive pedagogies to shape the future of education in Nigeria.
By Chimezie Godfrey
The 3rd ODeLAN International Conference, held from May 14th to 16th at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Conference Centre, Jabi, Abuja, concluded with a strong call for adaptive pedagogies to shape the future of education in Nigeria.
Professor Sunny Oniye, Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies at NOUN, who read the conference communiqué, emphasized that ‘Institutions must invest in faculty training and digital upskilling for all staff to effectively integrate technology into teaching and learning.’
Themed ‘Adaptive Pedagogies for the Future of Education: Connecting Learners, Technologies and Communities,’ the conference brought together over 280 participants, including policymakers, academics, researchers, and educational technologists, to deliberate on strategies to harness technology for inclusive and adaptive learning.
In his address, Professor Peter Scott, President of the Commonwealth of Learning, underscored the need for a supportive policy framework. ‘Government and stakeholders must ensure political will in implementing digitization strategies while promoting inclusivity and accessibility in ODeL,’ he said.
Echoing this sentiment, Professor Mpine Makoe, Executive Dean of Education at the University of South Africa, called for collaborative research in Open, Distance, and e-Learning (ODeL). ‘ODeLAN and its partners should establish a national ODeL research network to foster collaborative scholarship and drive innovation in distance education,’ she noted.
The communiqué also highlighted the importance of adopting and localizing the African Council for Distance Education (ACDE) Quality Assurance Toolkit to bolster quality assurance processes in Nigerian ODeL institutions. Professor Oniye stated, ‘Member institutions are encouraged to adopt and adapt the ACDE QA Toolkit to harmonize standards and elevate quality across the ODeL landscape.’
One of the critical recommendations was the integration of adaptive learning technologies and artificial intelligence to personalize learner experiences and improve educational outcomes. ‘Education for the future must be personalized, collaborative, and inclusive,’ the communiqué asserted, urging institutions to develop robust policies for the ethical use of AI.
Further recommendations called for strategic investment in capacity building for educators, regulatory reforms to enhance digital inclusion, and engagement with the Nigerian Educational Loan Fund (NELFUND) to extend funding opportunities to distance learners.
The conference also saw 146 peer-reviewed papers presented across five tracks, addressing themes ranging from learning design and technology to curriculum development and inclusive education. Exhibitors such as the British Council, National Teachers Institute, and Verdue-Vision showcased innovative educational tools and resources aimed at supporting adaptive learning strategies.
The communiqué committee, chaired by Professor Christine Ofulue, acknowledged the contributions of all participants, sponsors, and partners, emphasizing that the insights gained would be pivotal in shaping ODeLAN’s agenda moving forward.
The event concluded with a call to action for institutions to ‘be proactive in contributing to national educational discourse on ODL and related technological reforms,’ positioning ODeLAN as a leading advocate for adaptive pedagogies in Nigeria.
 
 
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What are the differences between gathering and analyzing quantitative and qualitative information? Better yet, how can you develop these skills and use this knowledge in a real-world job?
Quantitative data involves measurable evidence, while qualitative data stems from observation and interpretation, often being more subjective.
“Quantitative data provides the hard numbers, trends and statistical insights that drive evidence-based decision-making. Qualitative data, on the other hand, captures the nuances, context and human experiences behind those numbers,” said Ben Tasker, the technical program facilitator for data analytics and data science programs at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).
Both of these types of data are vital in today’s business decision-making, and the ability to work with them will help you build bridges between what you learn in the classroom and the workplace. As a data analyst, “these skills enable professionals to gain a comprehensive understanding of any situation, allowing for more informed and balanced decisions,” Tasker said.
“Quantitative skills help in analyzing large datasets and identifying patterns or anomalies, which are crucial for making predictions and measuring performance,” Tasker said. “Qualitative skills provide context and meaning, helping to interpret why those patterns exist.”
While qualitative data might offer insights into new customer demands and preferences, quantitative data may point to a change in market patterns. The ability to change course based on both kinds of data is important in a market that’s changing quickly.
Combining quantitative and qualitative data analysis can give students of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, also known as STEM, a potential advantage.
“Complex problems often require a multifaceted approach,” Tasker said. “Quantitative analysis can pinpoint the extent of an issue, while qualitative insights can uncover the underlying causes and potential solutions that numbers alone might miss.”
For example, in marketing, numbers can show sales patterns, but listening to customer opinions and reasons can tell you what they feel and why they buy, according to Tasker. Using both types of analysis helps you create strategies based on data and that connect with your audience.
The application of quantitative and qualitative skills varies depending on the industry. Tasker gave some examples of how different industries use these skills:
Beyond technical abilities, Angie Woods, an SNHU career advisor, said that effective collaboration and communication are vital for those curious about how to become a data analyst. These additional skills allow analysts to translate complex data into clear, actionable information for colleagues who may not have a technical background.
“Students who blend scientific and mathematical skills with team leadership abilities are set to thrive in data analysis careers,” Woods said. “These students bring a high level of precision to their work, using statistical methods and mathematical models to uncover accurate and actionable insights from complex data.”
According to O*NET OnLine, if you pursue a data analytics career as a business intelligence analyst, you’ll need skills in mathematics and database management systems, which you can study in a data analytics degree program. In addition to these skills, you’ll be expected to perform tasks such as analyzing related data, preparing analytical reports and developing information communication procedures, O*NET said.
In the field of data analytics, your ability to analyze both quantitative and qualitative data is crucial, as this combined approach helps organizations understand not only numerical trends but also human factors, resulting in more informed and balanced decision-making.
Discover more about SNHU’s bachelor’s in data analytics: Find out what courses you’ll take, skills you’ll learn and how to request information about the program.
Ollie Burkett is a writer at Southern New Hampshire University, where he is pursuing his Master of Arts in English and Creative Writing. You can connect with him on LinkedIn.
SNHU is a nonprofit, accredited university with a mission to make high-quality education more accessible and affordable for everyone.
Founded in 1932, and online since 1995, we’ve helped countless students reach their goals with flexible, career-focused programs. Our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH is home to over 3,000 students, and we serve over 135,000 students online. Visit our about SNHU page to learn more about our mission, accreditations, leadership team, national recognitions and awards.

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