By Felix Khanoba
A professor of Educational Administration and Planning at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Samuel Ogunwale Ogundiran, has said that many educators and school administrators in Nigeria are still grappling with the transition from traditional methods to technology-driven solutions.
Speaking on Thursday at the NOUN headquarters in Abuja while presenting the 28th Inaugural Lecture of the university titled ‘Educational Administration and Technology: A Marriage of Inconvenience,’ Ogundiran highlighted that despite the availability of technological tools like laptops and digital learning resources, significant barriers remain, including inadequate training, unreliable electricity, and poor internet connectivity.
In a statement by Ibrahim Sheme, Director of Media and Publicity at NOUN, Ogundiran shared his personal journey from struggling with basic computer skills to effectively integrating technology into his professional practice. He emphasized that not all educators have had similar experiences and many continue to rely on outdated methods due to a lack of support and resources.
The professor urged educational institutions to prioritize technological training for staff to equip educators with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving educational environment. He outlined the potential benefits of technology in educational administration while also acknowledging the challenges that accompany its adoption.
He said while technology theoretically enhances educational administration, existing deficiencies within the system can obstruct its full potential, adding that the mismatch may exacerbate the challenges rather than deliver the anticipated advantages.
Ogundiran recommended actionable steps to improve technology adoption in educational settings, including infrastructure upgrades, enhanced training programs, and financial incentives for educators. He called on policymakers to address the “marriage of inconvenience” between education and technology, stressing the need for comprehensive support to empower educators and administrators to leverage technology effectively in the classroom.
NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters, emphasized the significance of the inaugural lecture as a reflection of academic achievement and commended Ogundiran for his contributions to education.
He recognized the importance of the event in celebrating scholarly accomplishments and encouraging future generations of students.
On his part, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Chiedu Mafiana, expressed appreciation for Ogundiran’s dedication and thanked all attendees for their participation.
