NBTE Hosts Workshop to Develop Standard and Accreditation Tool for ODFeL in TVET

In continuation of the implementation of the collaborative agreement between the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), the NBTE Centre of Excellence has successfully hosted the 2nd workshop on the development of standards and an accreditation tool for Open, Distance, and Flexible eLearning (ODFeL) in Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

The workshop aimed to enhance access to TVET, promote inclusivity, and improve especially female enrollment in TVET programs through the utilization of ODFeL delivery methods.

The workshop was inaugurated by the Executive Secretary, Prof Idris M. Bugaje. In his address, the Executive Secretary who was represented by the Director Department of Curriculum Development, Dr Hatim Musa Koko, emphasized the need of creating a robust standard and accreditation tool for ODFeL, which would be climate-smart and gender-inclusive, to propel forward the goals of TVET. He highlighted the absence of standardized evaluation tools despite the implementation of ODFeL in the TVET sector since 2021, underscoring the workshop’s significance in promoting digital transformation and fostering national development. The Executive Secretary expressed gratitude to the Commonwealth of Learning for their support and acknowledged the pivotal role played by the NBTE Centre of Excellence in coordinating and implementing the project.

The workshop convened participants from various institutions, including Nigeria’s National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the Director of Development from Zambia’s Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA), Mrs. Phyllis Chibuye Lubeya Kasonkomona, the Assistant Director of Standards from Kenya’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA), Mr. Paul M. Muriithi. Also in attendance were Prof.

Hassan Adamu Zoaka, the pioneering Director of the Ahmadu Bello University Distance Learning Centre, and Dr. Fatima Kabir Shehu from Kaduna State University’s Distance Learning Centre. During the workshop, participants engaged in robust discussions, sharing best practices, insights, and challenges encountered in ODFeL implementation within their respective institutions and countries.

The three-day workshop culminated in the development of draft comprehensive standards for ODFeL delivery, addressing various aspects such as courseware design, learner support mechanisms, technology integration, and assessment practices. Additionally, a draft accreditation tool was formulated for the rigorous evaluation of ODFeL programmes, emphasizing quality assurance, learner outcomes, and institutional capacity.

In the closing session, participants expressed appreciation for the collaborative opportunity and underscored the importance of sustained collaboration and knowledge sharing for continuous improvement in TVET delivery. The workshop coordinator and General Manager of the NBTE Centre of Excellence conveyed gratitude to all participants for their active engagement and commitment to the advancement of ODFeL in Nigeria and beyond.

The workshop served as a pivotal platform for fostering dialogue, sharing experiences, and forging partnerships to strengthen ODFeL in TVET. The standards and accreditation tool developed will serve as guiding frameworks for enhancing the quality, accessibility, and inclusivity of TVET programmes. These documents will be shared with stakeholders for further inputs and critique before final approval.

ALSO READ: 9 Reasons Why Men Lose Interest in Women After Sleeping With Them