ACETEL's Digital Education Day 2025: Tech as a Catalyst for Inclusive Learning

Abuja, Nigeria – The Africa Centre of Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning (ACETEL), in partnership with the International Trade Facilitation Association (ITFA), convened its Second Digital Education Day, a pivotal gathering for stakeholders in education and technology. The event emphasized the increasing importance of technology in creating equitable access to education.

The central theme of this year's discussions was: “Leveraging Technology for Inclusive Education.”

The Digital Education Day took place on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at the headquarters of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Jabi, Abuja. 

As ACETEL's flagship annual event, the Digital Education Day serves as a crucial platform. It brings together a diverse group, including policymakers, educators, technology experts, development partners, researchers, and students, to contemplate the transformative potential of digital learning environments.

This year’s iteration placed a strong emphasis on the pressing need for educational systems to embrace innovation, inclusivity, accessibility, and equity, ensuring no learner is left behind.

Prof. Olufemi Peters, Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, delivered a welcome address, underscoring the strategic significance of the event. He characterized it as a call to action, urging all stakeholders to ensure that technology continues to break down barriers related to distance, disability, and socioeconomic disadvantage. This, he stated, would unlock new educational pathways for historically marginalized learners.

“Technology has become an indispensable tool for addressing disparities in access, equity, and the overall quality of education. At NOUN, we have witnessed firsthand how digital learning is redefining the very scope of opportunity, providing educational access irrespective of geographical location or individual circumstances,” Prof. Peters stated.

Prof. Grace Jokthan, Director of ACETEL, in her welcome remarks, reflected on the significant strides made since the inaugural Digital Education Day in 2024, which centered around the theme: “Revitalising Learning: Digital Education through Video Integration.”

She noted that last year’s event was successfully organized in collaboration with WACREN (West and Central African Research and Education Network).

“This second edition is more than just a celebration; it is a renewed commitment to our core mission—to not only spearhead innovation within the educational landscape, but to guarantee that these innovations are accessible to everyone,” Prof. Jokthan emphasized.

“Today’s event reinforces ACETEL’s dedication to leveraging technology in a way that is inclusive, people-centered, and ultimately transformative,” she added.

The event featured a dynamic program including engaging sessions, insightful keynote presentations, and thought-provoking panel discussions. Notable figures contributed to the discussions, including Sophie Lai from the Taiwan Computer Association, who delivered the keynote address.

Participants delved into critical topics such as emerging technologies in education, accessibility-focused design, digital literacy initiatives, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in ensuring equitable content delivery to all learners.