The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Mal. Isa Yuguda, has officially inaugurated the newly-completed edifice of the Africa Centre of Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning (ACETEL) at the university’s headquarters in Abuja.
ACETEL’s new office building was inaugurated following its completion after meeting all the World Bank standards and policies.
The state-of-the-art structure, commissioned on Thursday, February 27, 2025, was built to accommodate ACETEL’s seven laboratories for physical and online use by its students for innovative and research purposes.
The building also houses the NOUN Data Centre, an e-Library and office spaces for ACETEL staff.
Yuguda, along with the former Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Prof. Elias Bogoro and the NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters, were present for the ceremony.
They took a tour of the building, inspecting ACETEL laboratories and the facilities installed in the building.
While giving his remarks during the event, Peters described the event as “a testament to our collective vision of making the National Open University Of Nigeria a trailblazer in digital education and technological innovation in Africa.”
He thanked the Association of African Universities (AAU), the National Universities Commission (NUC), and the World Bank for their financial and technical support in making this building a reality.
While also commending the Director of ACETEL, Prof. Grace Jokthan and her team, the Vice-Chancellor stated that building “is not merely a structure, it's a symbol of our commitment to research, innovation, and sustainable education.
“This building, your excellency sir, is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that has been designed to foster digital learning and research excellence. The facility houses a data centre, an e library with a 50-seater capacity and a 20-seater restaurant all to support a condusive learning and working environment.”
Peters added that the building is also equipped with inter-com systems for seamless communication and firefighting and fire alarm systems to ensure safety for all.
He added that “At the heart of this building as well are, seven cutting edge laboratories designed to propel research and learning in emerging technologies. These are Artificial Intelligence Lab, Cyber-Security Lab, Management Information Lab, Virtual Reality Lab, IT Essential Lab, Multimedia Lab, Centre of Competence in Digital Education.”
Earlier, ACETEL director, while giving her welcome address described the ceremony as “historic,” saying that the facility symbolizes the collective commitment to academic and research excellence through leveraging technology for sustainable education and development in Africa.
“This remarkable achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering commitment and visionary leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olufemi Peters, and the University management.
“Their dedication to excellence, growth, their strategic support and believe in the Centre's potential is instrumental in bringing this dream to fruition. We are grateful for their tireless efforts in ensuring that we stand here today to commission this landmark facility,” Jokthan said.
She added that the establishment of the building was indicative of “a true reflection of ACETEL's vision to be a leading centre of excellence in technology, enhanced learning and research.
“This state-of-the-art facility is designed to support the vision of advancing digital education, fostering cutting-edge research, and providing innovative solutions to the challenges facing Africa's education and technology sectors.”
Members of the university management, deans, directors, heads of unit, the university community and representatives from the NUC were also present at the inauguration ceremony.
- Log in to post comments
- 85 views
