The 5th International Colloquium focuses on the theme
Reimagining the Open Distance Learning Ecosystem: Technology, Policy and Institutional Priorities.
The colloquium emphasizes the need for a sustainable transformation of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in Africa through interconnected and mutually reinforcing strategies. It advocates moving beyond isolated digital initiatives toward integrated, resilient, inclusive, and future-ready educational systems capable of meeting evolving academic and technological demands.
The event comes at a critical period as the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy (2020–2030) enters a major implementation phase, while national AI strategies and digital upskilling programmes continue to expand across African universities. The colloquium recognizes that without coordinated efforts in digital architecture, institutional leadership, assessment systems, learner support, and credentialing, investments in ODL may remain fragmented and inequitable.
By bringing together leading ODL practitioners, policymakers, institutional leaders, development partners, and learners, the colloquium aims to foster dialogue, collaboration, and consensus on building a holistic and sustainable ODL ecosystem across Africa. It also positions the Distance Learning Institute, University of Lagos as a thought leader in advancing innovative and equitable distance learning practices on the continent.
