The Regional Training and Research Institute for Distance and Open Learning (RETRIDOL), in partnership with the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), have held a high level workshop on “Emerging Issues in Open Educational Resources (OER) Practices in the Age of AI.”
The opening ceremony, held at the Conference Centre of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) headquarters, brought together academics, policy leaders and ODL practitioners to examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping the creation, distribution, and utilisation of Open Educational Resources across Africa.
NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olufemi Peters, represented by the Deputy Vice- Chancellor (Academics), Professor Chiedu Mafiana, delivered the keynote address.
Prof. Peters noted that the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence presents both opportunities and responsibilities for institutions committed to open and flexible learning.
He emphasised that for OER to remain relevant, educators must understand the ethical and technical implications of AI, particularly in areas such as content generation, quality assurance, and learner support.
“Artificial Intelligence is not just a technological disruption. Institutions like NOUN must lead the conversation on how OER can be enhanced and safeguarded through responsible and innovative use of AI," the VC said.
He commended RETRIDOL and COL for their commitment to capacity building across the ODL ecosystem and urged participants to leverage the workshop as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaborative problem-solving.
Earlier, the Director of RETRIDOL, Professor Dorothy Ofoha highlighted the timeliness of the workshop, describing OER as central to the mission of open and distance learning.
She noted that AI technologies have introduced new dynamics in learner interaction, and digital scholarship.
Prof. Ofoha disclosed RETRIDOL’s mandate to strengthen capacity across West Africa and beyond, stressing that the institute remains committed to equipping educators with skills to navigate emerging educational landscapes.
“Today’s learning environment requires fresh strategies,” she said. “This workshop will empower our faculty and practitioners to explore AI not as a threat but as a transformative tool for accessible, inclusive, and high quality education.”
In her remarks, Professor Jane Frances Agbu, the representative of the Canada-based Commonwealth of Learning, reiterated COL’s unwavering support for initiatives that foster open knowledge and sustainable development.
Agbu praised NOUN and RETRIDOL for their leadership within the African ODL community and stressed that COL sees AI-enabled OER as a pathway to more equitable education systems.
She also spoke on the need for collaboration, capacity building, and policy development, noting that OER cannot flourish without enabling environments that address intellectual property, digital literacy and institutional readiness.
The COL representative added that “Our goal is to ensure that no learner is left behind. AI has the power to personalise learning at scale, but it must be guided by sound principles.”
Bringing the opening session to a close, Professor Gbenga Ajayi delivered the vote of thanks.
He expressed gratitude to the VC, guests, facilitators, and participants for their contributions to the workshop’s success.
Prof. Ajayi emphasised that the success of any dialogue on OER and AI depends on the active participation of practitioners who are willing to explore new ideas and challenge existing norms.
He thanked COL for its continued partnership with RETRIDOL, and acknowledged the dedication of the organising committee and NOUN management.
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