ABU introduces e-learning, provides iPads to students

The Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State,
said on Friday that it had introduced facilities to
promote e-learning in the institution.
Prof Abdullahi Mustapha, the ABU Vice-Chancellor,
stated this in Zaria at the matriculation of students
for the 2013/2014 academic session.
He said that the university would soon commence
the distribution of laptops and iPads to students, on
loan, to enable them key into the new system of
learning at the institution.
These measures, he explained, were part of the
gradual phasing out of ‘analogue teaching’ at the
university.
Mustapha said: “We will continue to provide you
with revolutionary and state-of-the-art learning
and teaching modes, skills and robust internet
communication to facilitate e-learning.
“Our ultimate goal is to gradually and
systematically replace the analogue teaching and
learning mode delivery in line with 21st century ICT
guided teaching mode.
“This is with a view to improving access to
information, enhancing teaching and research and
be abreast with the global method of learning
delivery.”
The vice-chancellor said the university had made
adequate arrangement and provided resources to
achieve the goals and objectives of the institution.
“We will ultimately replace exercise books with
laptops and iPads as well as analogue form of
writing examination with computer based tests.
“By the beginning of second semester 2013/2014
laptops and iPads with embedded line of software
will be available and students will get them with
interest-free loan payable in two academic
sessions,” he said.
Mustapha said students would be required to
simply open an account with any of the university’s
finance banks to enjoy the facility.
The vice-chancellor cautioned the new students to
guard against social vices like gangsterism,
cultism, indecent dressing and alcoholism, to
enable them come out in flying colours.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that 9,549
students matriculated at the event.