A Professor of Computer Education at the Lagos State University Ojo,
Olugbenga Gabriel Akindoju has stressed the need for Nigerian government at all levels to prioritize investment in broadband deployment and affordable smart devices, especially in underprivileged communities across the country
He also called for a comprehensive roadmap for Artificial intelligence integration in education, ensuring equitable access across all schools through a policy reform that establishes frameworks that guarantee fair distribution of AI resources, bridging gaps between affluent and underprivileged schools
The don who was delivering the university's 119th Inaugural lecture titled "Bridging Gaps, Reimagining Futures: Unveiling Digital Pathways and Innovations for Transformative Education in Sub-Saharan Africa”, inside the Buba Marwa Main Auditorium of the university, also recommended establishment of libraries and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centres that provide free access to AI-driven educational technologies for users
The former Dean, Faculty of Education of the university equally emphasized the need for support inclusive platforms like VISOS to ensure visually impaired learners can participate fully in assessments.
Prof. Akindoju, a former Head of the Department of Science and Technology Education, called for scaling up of Web-Based Instruction (WBIA) across subjects to democratize access and foster interactive learning among learners in schools while encouraging
multimodal strategies such as instructional games, simulations, and virtual reality to enhance engagement and comprehension among learners
The Inaugural lecturer also recommended embed AI literacy and digital pedagogy into pre-service and in-service teacher training programmes to build capacity of teachers in digital teaching and learning in classrooms
To make learning of Mathematics and science related subjects easy for learners in secondary schools, he called for Incorporation of ethnobiology and indigenous knowledge into STEM curricula to contextualize abstract concepts.
"Develop localized digital content in Yoruba, Swahili, Twi, and other African languages to ensure accessibility."
"Align digital tools with learners’ cultural realities, making education both accessible and empowering", he recommended
Green Computing according to him, promotes eco-friendly ICT practices, including energy-efficient devices and recycling programme
"Expand solar-powered ICT labs in off-grid communities to ensure equitable access.Embed sustainability into national ICT strategies, making digital transformation future-proof" he further stated
The don maintained that should be continuous professional development for teachers on AI usability and classroom
He equally emphasized the importance of Assistive Technologies , to expand platforms like VISOS to cater to learners with visual, auditory, and physical impairments.
"Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Adopt inclusive design principles in curriculum and assessment to accommodate diverse learner needs".
"By aligning recommendations with the six pillars—Infrastructure, Pedagogy, Localization, Sustainability, AI Equity, and Inclusivity—this inaugural paper provides a holistic roadmap for educational transformation in Sub-Saharan Africa. These recommendations ensure that digital innovation is not only adopted but contextualized, democratized, and sustained, paving the way for a future-ready education system that reflects African realities and aspirations.", he submitted
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello who chaired the 119th inaugural lecture, acknowledged the outstanding contributions of Prof. Akindoju to the growth of computer education in Nigeria and Africa at large
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