By Amadou Manjang
The University of the Gambia on Monday, 9 October2023 held a workshop to develop and validate an Open and Distance Learning Policy.
The policy is going to be the first of its kind in the history of education in the country.
The four-day workshop is organised by the University of the Gambia (UTG) in collaboration with the Commonwealth of Learning (COL).
The project coordinator of the UTG, professor Kayobe Adekeye, said open and distance learning is key in education in this digital era.
‘And the University of the Gambia has a role to play as far as the Gambia is concerned,’ he said.
He said that it is difficult to build a university or have a university all over the country, therefore distance learning is needed.
The COL representative Jane-Frances Agbu, said the workshop is going to help the UTG in building institutional resilience.
She said that the Commonwealth of Learning is happy to facilitate the workshop, adding that it is in line with their aims and objectives.
She further added that the coronavirus pandemic had revealed the significance of open and distance learning.
Therefore, the development of an open and distance learning policy will help the university in mitigating the education crisis.
Speaking on behalf of the vice-chancellor, Francis Sarr said that open and distancing learning is important in utilising the physical spaces of the university.
He said this will help develop the students’ experience and also help in building the capacity of the staff and lecturers.
‘It is a process for all staff and students,’ he emphasized.
The workshop will be held at the University of the Gambia Kanifing campus from 9 to 12 October 2023.
