The Federal Government of Nigeria has mandated all Nigerian universities to implement Anthology Blackboard, a hybrid learning technology, by the end of 2025. The directive was issued by the Minister of Education, Mr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, during a meeting with vice-chancellors in Abuja.
He emphasized the need for universities to embrace digital solutions, urging them to utilize their ICT intervention funds to link to ICT dashboards and integrate hybrid learning into their curricula.
Alausa stressed that all universities must commence the use of Anthology Blackboard before the end of 2024, noting that it is one of the best technologies available for hybrid education. He acknowledged that training might be required for effective implementation but assured that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) would provide the necessary support. He also highlighted the importance of the platform in addressing security challenges in the North, where students often face difficulties attending physical classes.
The minister pointed out that hybrid learning would help mitigate Nigeria’s low admission rates, as about two million candidates apply annually for higher education, but only around 330,000 gain admission. He stressed that universities should not limit admissions based on accommodation constraints and encouraged them to explore partnerships with the private sector to develop student housing solutions.
Furthermore, Alausa urged universities to prioritize courses that align with global workforce demands, citing fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and biomedical technology as key areas of focus. He discouraged excessive emphasis on traditional disciplines like zoology and history, arguing that marketable courses could enhance Nigeria’s economy by generating foreign direct investment through remote work opportunities.
The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abdulahi Yusuf Ribadu, called on universities to maintain accurate data for better planning, warning that delayed responses to data requests could lead to distortions. Similarly, the Registrar of JAMB, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, emphasized the need for universities to align their facilities with student intake, ensuring a more efficient admissions process.