Vice-Chancellor, Information Communications Technology (ICT) University of Cameroon, Prof. Jean-Emmanuel Pondi
The Vice-Chancellor, Information Communications Technology (ICT) University of Cameroon, Prof. Jean-Emmanuel Pondi, has said that information technology (IT) is an important driver for socio- economic development, global participation, competitiveness and growth.
The university don said this during a lecture programme titled: “The Catalytic Role of Information Technology in Enhancing African Priorities in Today’s World,” organised by the Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Sciences, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
The lecture, meant for the staff, PhD and, MSc IT students, was held at the faculty’s conference hall, university headquarters, Abuja on Friday, August 19, 2022 .
Pondi, who was the guest lecturer, explained that “IT is truly transformational, with the power of technology we can educate every African citizen right across the continent.
“With the power of technology, we can open new opportunities and create an avenue of uniting African and leverage the fantastic energy and passion of young Africans.”
The VC further extolled NOUN’s “great impact” in the Nigerian education system, adding that ODL system is one of the most rapid growing fields of education in the world.
L-R: Prof. Pondi, Prof. Monioluwa Olaniyi (DVC TIR),Prof. Saheed Ajibola (Dean, Faculty of Sciences), Dr. Francis B. Osang (HOD,Computer Science)
The erudite professor was also unequivocal in his appreciation of the university’s management for the way NOUN was set-up.
“I have visited so many other ODL universities and I will testify with what I am seeing in the environment that NOUN is really at the top. The structure, the technological advancement and different study centres,” he said.
On his part, the guest lecturer’s counterpart of the host institution, Prof. Olufemi Peters, said NOUN is the best Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institution in Africa in terms of its flexibility, structure, mode of operation, technology, innovation among others.
Peters, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Technology, Innovation and Research, (TIR), Prof. Monioluwa Olaniyi, said “NOUN is the best of its kind in West Africa. It is the largest tertiary institution of learning in terms of students population in Nigeria.”
Speaking on the topic, the VC stated that “ODL gives learners ample opportunity to learn at their own time, place and pace. It offers flexible learning opportunities to individuals with the support of information communication, without limitations.”
The event featured an exchange of gifts between the guest lecturer and the Dean, Faculty of Sciences, Prof. Saheed Ajibola, on behalf of the university.
