By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
Edo University Iyamho has been applauded for being a trail blazer in the application of modern technology in running her educational system to overcome the challenges faced by institutions of learning in the face of the covid-19 outbreak.
This was the position of a guest speaker, Prof. Adam Zahler, at the 2nd convocation lecture of the university
Adam zahler, a professor of theatre at Worcester State University, Massachussetts, USA, who titled his virtual lecture: “Impacts of covid-19 pandemic on tertiary education: view from the west & possible implications for Africa universities”, said the world, which is now faced with a serious challenge as a result of the corona virus outbreak, that has posed threat to education and other strata of life, requires new discoveries and approach to contain the impact.
While commending Edo University Iyamho for being a trail blazer in technological advancement, which enabled the institution to conclude its academic activities, in the face of the shut down of institutions in the wake of the covid-19, Prof. zahler charged other African universities to brace up for the challenges ahead.
The scholar also urged educators to design a curriculum that will inculate in the present generation the need to embrace electronic method of learning to be able to contain the challenges of the post covid era.
Delivering his address, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Engr. Prof. Emmanuel Aluyor, expressed appreciation to the State Governor, Godwin Obaseki for his support to the institution, noting that the title of the lecture is apt in the face of the realities of the moment and also attributed the success of the graduation, to the use of the CANVAS learning management system, which created the online platform for the completion of the 2019/2020 academic session.
In a message, the chairman at the event and minister for education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, who was represented by the vice chancellor, University of Benin, Prof. Lilian Salami commended the university for possessing infrastructure & modern facilities dat facilitate learning.
The chancellor of the university, Mr Aderemi Makanjuola was among those, who gave goodwill messages.
The virtual conference attracted personalities all over the world, which include vice Chancellors of universities, industry specialists, government functionaries, media practitioners amongst others