In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent closure of schools, the American University of Nigeria (AUN) is continuing academic functions using digital technology.
To demonstrate AUN’s readiness towards uninterrupted learning through online platforms, the Office of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance (APQA), in collaboration with the Office of Technology Support (OTS), organized training sessions on the use of online course delivery systems.
The workshop was divided into morning and afternoon sessions on March 23, 2020 to refresh course instructors on the use of digital platforms.
Nigeria’s most technologically equipped university; AUN’s intensive digital endowments place it in good stead to ensure academic program continuity remotely. AUN students and faculty are already familiar with online delivery systems such as Canvas, Zoom, Google Hangout etc.
The objective of the workshop was to fashion out seamless processes for students to remain engaged and continue to have access to academic content as well as their instructors.
The Office of Academic Planning & Quality Assurance, led by Professor of Marketing Communications Dr. Samuel Tesunbi, assured instructors of the requisite support for quality learning engagement and outcomes.
Assistant Director in APQA, Nasiru Yakubu, said AUN has technical competencies and resources to sustain online classes and academic programs. Students will have access to all their classes in the comfort of their homes while maintaining the values of their academic productivity.
Vice President for Academic Affairs/Provost, Prof. Muhammadou Kah, who attended the second session to answer questions from faculty, said “I trust our faculty will be responsible and do the necessary as expected. I have no reason to doubt otherwise, especially when appropriate leadership and academic accountability are provided at the Dean, HoDs and DAPQA levels”.
The Nigerian Federal Government ordered the closure of all tertiary institutions as part of measures to contain further spread of the Corona virus. Following suit, AUN authorities promptly asked students to vacate the campus and travel home to be safe with their families.
President Dekle in a message to departing students on March 20, assured them that instruction will continue online for the remainder of the Spring 2020 session.
Reported by Inyene Ikpe