UNN introduces electronic board for teaching

As part of its rebrand efforts, the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) has introduced electronic boards to replace the traditional blackboards in classrooms and laboratories at its campuses.

This, the institution said, was in preparation for full implementation of its information and communication technology infrastructure deployment.

Vice Chancellor, UNN, Prof. Bartho Okolo made this disclosure Monday at a press conference to herald the 39th Convocation of the institution and said the UNN has already commenced the shift by training staff on the new equipment and processes.

“Hitachi has completed training in the University on the use of e-boards such as smart white boards for electronic-teaching and student learning in our classrooms and teaching laboratories. In addition, Google Inc has finalized plans to train 2000 faculty and academic leadership on using Google applications and Module to enhance administrative efficiency, teaching, learning and research” he said.

Also, Okolo said UNN was developing “productive collaborations” with various organisations, institutions and corporate bodies in pursuit of the vision of restructuring the school and turning it into a global centre of learning.

Notable recent successes, he outlined to include construction of a wireless network infrastructure project to deliver 50mbps of lnternet bandwidth by a consortium led by Google Inc at a cost of about N3b; commitment to the construction and equipping of a Centre for Environmental Management and Control by The Shell Petroleum Development Company and admission of UNN into the New York Academy of Sciences.

Prof Okolo stated, “I want to assure you that the University of Nigeria will in the next few years be transformed to what is obtainable in the best universities in Europe and North America. My leadership team is dedicated to the vision of a 21st century learning institution and we are determined to demonstrate that Africa can house one of the best universities in the world.”

UNN will confer first, higher and honorary degrees to 6, 673 persons at the 39th Convocation of the University on Friday August 6 and Saturday August 7. The Vice Chancellor was excited at the increased production of doctorate degree holders, as the number of Ph.D graduands increased to 167 from the 127 of last year. The University will issue first degrees to 5,204 persons and higher degrees to 1,469 recipients.

Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State and Ahaji Mohammed Danjuma Goje of Gombe State will get honorary degrees of the institution.

Information and Culture Minister Prof. Dora Akunyili, herself an alumnus, will headline a key activity as she delivers the convocation lecture on the topic “Rebranding Nigerian Universities” on Thursday, August 5.

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