The African Centre of Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning (ACETEL), hosted by the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), has achieved a significant milestone in modernizing the university’s technological and operational framework.
Supported by the World Bank, ACETEL has developed and launched a robust data center and a new application and registration portal, enhancing the operational efficiency of Nigeria’s premier open university. The launch was marked by a ceremony at the university headquarters in Abuja, presided over by Vice-Chancellor Professor Olufemi Peters.
Professor Peters highlighted that the innovations are Information Technology (IT)-driven tools designed to streamline NOUN’s services for stakeholders. He noted that the new registration portal and data center address specific challenges faced by international students, particularly issues related to tuition payments in foreign currencies.
“ACETEL is designed to accommodate international students, which means payments need to be made in foreign currencies. The system in Nigeria primarily operates in Naira. This portal now simplifies the payment process for our international students, enabling them to access their lectures and academic services seamlessly,” Peters explained.
ACETEL currently has over 150 international students registered under its programs, and the new solutions ensure their needs are efficiently met.
The newly launched data center strengthens NOUN’s capacity to deliver IT-based educational services. “Our data center integrates all university units with a strong focus on data analytics,” Peters said. “It includes both a cloud archiver system and a localized data system, ensuring continuity of access and control over our data, even during disruptions to cloud services.”
The data center provides the university with permanent control over its data, enabling effective use in delivering education and supporting personalized and adaptive learning models.
Director of ACETEL, Professor Grace Jokthan, expressed satisfaction with the advancements. She emphasized that the data center and registration portal will improve decision-making, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
“We are committed to creating awareness and collaborating with all university units to ensure seamless integration and optimal use of these systems,” she stated.
The new infrastructure underscores ACETEL’s mission to drive technological innovation in education, reinforcing NOUN’s position as a leader in open and distance learning in Nigeria. With these developments, NOUN is better equipped to serve both local and international students while maintaining control over its critical operations and data.
The milestone also aligns with the expectations for World Bank-assisted Centers of Excellence, marking a significant step forward in advancing education through technology in Nigeria.
