Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, says its partnership with Astra Learning will expand access to quality education and strengthen research and administrative efficiency.
The university said the partnership would also prepare learners for a knowledge-driven economy.
OAU Vice-Chancellor Adebayo Bamire said this in an interview on the sidelines of an academic workshop in Lagos on Tuesday.
He said the partnership with the educational technology company sought to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into teaching, research and administrative operations.
“Discussions on the partnership began early in the year, and the university moved quickly to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) because it realised the partnership’s potential to improve the institution’s overall operations,” he said.
He said Astra Learning was selected after engagements with other organisations.
He cited its multidisciplinary approach, existing programme curriculum and capacity to incorporate AI into different areas of learning.
He said the partnership aligned with OAU’s ambition to remain globally competitive.
He said it would also respond to changes affecting students, researchers and university administrators.
According to him, the initiative will take learning beyond the traditional classroom.
He said people would be able to undertake academic programmes from their homes, offices and other convenient locations.
Bamire advocated a hybrid learning arrangement.
He proposed that about 70% of teaching should be conducted online.
He said the remaining 30% should involve physical engagement.
He confirmed that successful participants would receive OAU certificates.
He said the programme would be accessible to learners within and outside Nigeria.
“Same Quality”
Astra Learning founder and chief executive officer Jeff Bordes said the partnership was part of the company’s strategy to make quality university education more accessible.
He said the company would not compromise academic standards.
He said Astra Learning deliberately partners with leading universities to maintain the quality of degrees awarded through its e-campus platform.
“We want to make sure that whatever degree you acquire, whether a Master’s, PhD or undergraduate degree, the quality is the same, if not better,” he said.
He said Astra Learning was established in 2009.
He said it evolved from developing educational software to providing investment, expertise and technological tools to help universities transform into digital campuses.
He said the initiative would support professionals seeking career advancement.
He said the programmes would also suit those constrained by the demands of conventional classroom learning.
On the courses available, Bordes listed an MBA in AI and an MSc in AI.
He also listed an MSc in Public Health and Mass Communication, among other programmes.
He said the initiative would retain the traditional academic curriculum.
He said it would also introduce workshops, masterclasses and micro-credentials to equip learners with practical AI skills.
“AI is not taking anyone’s job. What AI is doing is just removing the ladder,” he said.
On affordability, he acknowledged that the cost of quality education remains a major challenge.
He said the initiative involves bringing international experts to work alongside Nigerian academics.
He called on the federal government to introduce policies that would encourage innovation and support universities.
He also asked for an enabling environment for private-sector investment in education.
Expanding Access
OAU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) Adesola Aderounmu described online learning as an important development.
He said it would expand educational opportunities for students and working professionals.
He said the platform would enable people who cannot attend physical lectures to access learning resources.
He said they could acquire qualifications while managing other responsibilities.
He expressed confidence that the partnership would help address challenges confronting the university system.
The workshop brought together OAU’s academic, technical and administrative leadership and Astra Learning.
They met to align on curriculum approval, eCampus establishment and student onboarding.
