By Gabriella Ogbu

ICT literacy is no longer adequate, according to the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) Acting Executive Secretary, who has urged university administrative staff to purchase appropriate computer software for the virtual learning environment.

This was said by Chris Maiyaki, acting executive secretary of the NUC, during his speech at the inaugural Miva Open University Public Lecture in Abuja.

Speaking on the topic of “The Changing Role of University Administrators in an Open Distance Learning (ODL) Setting,” Maiyaki clarified that administrative staff members included both academic and non-academic staff assigned to a university assignment, as well as staff members of the vice chancellor.

The NUC Boss emphasized that it was imperative that university administrative employees be ready for the full digital transformation.

Additionally, I have to tell the administrative staff at Miva and my colleagues at the NUC that being ICT literate is no longer sufficient. The administrative team needs to be ready for the complete shift to digital.

“In order to cope with the ever expanding nature of ODL, the administrative staff, especially those in Miva and the open universities, will require continuous training and retraining, modern techniques and skills including exposure to the best practices,” he stated.

Maiyaki also counseled them to eliminate ineffective administrative bottlenecks and become proficient with the pertinent computer software related to the virtual learning environment.

“We have to match our leadership style with that which promotes effective and efficient ODL delivery.

“It is not your responsibility to prevent that organization from thriving. In order for this university’s name to endure beyond even its founding fathers, he stated, “it is up to you to act as equal stakeholders in your day-to-day decisions in whatever you do.”

The executive secretary also gave them the assignment to launch intensive campaigns of sensitization and awareness to dispel the myth that degrees earned through online and print modes of higher education are of equal quality.

“Administrative staff must plan student-centered activities because without students, there will be no university,” Maiyaki counseled.

Prior to this, Prof. Tayo Arologun, Vice Chancellor of Miva Open University, said the topic was important because open distance learning is at the forefront of the rapidly changing higher education landscape.

It is impossible to overestimate the influence of ODL on Nigeria’s economic growth. ODL empowers a diverse population, including those living in remote and underserved areas, by removing barriers to education and providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to participate in the economy.

According to him, “this in turn leads to increased workforce competency, growth in entrepreneurship, economic inclusion, affordable education, and bridging skill gaps.”