The Faculty of Education, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike, Ebonyi State, has successfully hosted its 5th International Conference on Digital Transformation Initiative for a sustainable modern educational landscape, providing a robust platform for intellectual exchange on how digital innovations can be harnessed to reposition education for sustainability, relevance and global competitiveness.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the conference, Professor Dennis Ameh Akoh, emphasized the inevitability of digital transformation in contemporary education. He noted that education systems across the world are being reshaped by technology and that Nigerian Universities must not remain passive observers but active innovators.
He described the conference’s theme as timely and strategic, stressing that sustainable development in education can only be achieved when institutions deliberately integrate digital solutions into pedagogy, research and institutional governance.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Sunday Elom, while declaring the conference open commended the Faculty of Education for sustaining an intellectually-vibrant conference culture, stating that the theme aligns with global best practices and national development priorities.
Professor Elom who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Professor Romanus Ejiaga highlighted the ongoing institutional efforts towards digitalization, including improvements in ICT infrastructure, e-learning platforms, and staff capacity development urged educators to see digital transformation not as a threat but as an opportunity to expand access, improve quality and make education more responsive to social needs.
He further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to innovation to enhance digital literacy and academic excellence in the institution.
In his welcome address, the Dean Faculty of Education, Professor Sunday Abonyi expressed profound appreciation to the University management, for their support in making the conference a reality.
He stated that the conference was designed to interrogate the nexus between technology, sustainability and education in a developing economy. According to him, digital transformation is central to producing graduates who are adaptable, innovative and globally competitive.
The Dean stressed that the faculty remains committed to driving solutions that address educational challenges, especially in the area of access, equity, quality and relevance.
Speaking on the theme: “Digital Transformation Initiatives for a Sustainable Modern Educational Landscape,” the keynote speaker, Professor Ngozika Marian Mbajiogu, provided a comprehensive exposition on the evolving role of technology in education.
She explained that digital transformation goes beyond the mere use of computer and internet facilities; it involves a holistic rethinking of teaching methods, curriculum design, assessment practices, institutional culture and policy framework.
She said sustainable modern education must leverage digital tools such as learning management systems, artificial intelligence, virtual classroom, open educational resources and data-driven decision-making to enhance learning outcomes.
Professor Mbajiogu further stressed that digital transformation has the capacity to bridge educational gaps, promote inclusive learning and prepare learners for the demand of the digital economy.
She called for deliberate investment in digital infrastructure, continues capacity building for educators, and supportive government policies to ensure that technology driven education remains sustainable and impactful.
In the same vein, the lead paper presenter, Professor, Joseph C. Onuoha who spoke on “Digital Tools for Transforming the Nigerian education System and Rebuilding Poverty” examined the critical link between education, technology, and socio-economic development.
He identified various digital tools including; mobile learning applications, virtual laboratories, digital libraries, online certification programs as some of the powerful instruments for expanding access to quality education, stressing that these tools when effectively deployed can democratize learning, reduce educational costs and equip learners with employable digital skills.
Professor Onuoha while advocating strategic partnership between government and universities to scale digital education initiative nationwide argued that poverty reduction in Nigeria is closely tied to educational transformation.
Earlier in her address, the Chairman of the Local Organizing committee, Dr. Nkiru Obande-Ogbuinya, provided an overview of the conference objectives, expressed that the conference was carefully structured to encourage interdisciplinary engagement and practical reflections on digital transformation initiatives. She appreciated members of the committee and their special guests for their collective efforts and encouraged participants to exchange ideas and build collaborations that could outlive the conference and contribute meaningfully to educational development.
The 5th Conference of the Faculty of Education, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike was also marked with the unveiing and launching of the 5th edition of the AE-FUNAI Journal of education.
