In order to accomplish the vision of the founding fathers of the University and sustain the feat of being the premier and preferred University of Education in Nigeria, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State, in collaboration with Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB), recently commissioned the latest ICT-based incubator innovation, EDTECH Centre of Excellence on the campus of the Institution.
The Centre, which will foster a workable and sustainable Industry – University-based relationship and as well serve as the engine room for information and communication technology, will be dedicated to the application of social capital and technology for economic prosperity.
In his welcome address at the commissioning, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu said he was excited that the dream came to reality during his tenure, despite the fact that it was a long time ambition but “today stands as the beginning of a remarkable achievement in the course of the history of this specialized citadel of learning – the birth of Edtech Centre of Excellence”, he added.
According to the Vice Chancellor, Edtech Centre of Excellence was established to accelerate research and development in the application of technology for teaching, learning and management of education in Africa.
“In accomplishment of this feat, the University is proud to be associated with Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB), the leading technology innovation centre in Nigeria, CcHUB is also Nigeria’s first open living lab and incubation space designed to be a multifunctional Centre where work to catalyze creative social technology is developed”, he stressed.
While delivering his address at the ceremony, the CEO of Co-creation Hub (CcHUB), Mr. Bosun Tijani described the occasion as epoch-making, adding that TASUED is the only University in the country that has enjoyed this innovation.
He further stressed that the collaboration was the most transparent arrangement because it was basically hinged on exchange of ideas, unlike what obtains in a typical Nigerian environment where money would have exchanged hands.
Mr. Tijani, therefore, commended the Management of the University for making the vision of the Institution came to fruition and for adopting such technology at this point in time when the world in now a global village.
“I must reiterate that no University in Nigeria can withstand TASUED simply because of the crop of forward-looking people that make the University. We find it interesting and safe to collaborate with this University because we have similar philosophy in common and with this innovation, the future is assured as far as technology is concerned”, he added.
The Centre shall, among other functions, make significant contributions to research in e-learning and technology application in schools/classrooms; Incubate creative EdTech startups and technology solutions for use in schools; run Masters degree and Ph.D programmes with a strong focus on e-learning and technology use in education and participate in collaborative research projects with leading academic research groups from across the globe.
In attendance were members of the Management team, Deans of Colleges, Directors of Centres, Heads of Departments, Deputy Registrars, Students’ Union leaders as well as one student representative each from all departments in the University.
Demonstration training was later organised for selected students at the occasion.