VIP Forum

Olugbemiro Jegede, is a global academician and a diplomat who has made significant contributions to the development of Nigeria, Africa and the global community in many ways. He propounded two major theories. The first is the Theory of Collateral Learning in 1995 to explain how children from the non-western cultures, (especially from Africa, the Caribbean, Asia and the South Pacific) cope with the learning of science through the lenses of their socio-cultural background. The second is the Theory of Webagogy in 1999 for the integration of all the viable theories and ideas about information processing, knowledge and symbolic representation under-guarding philosophy, pedagogy and the use of technology (web-based pedagogy).

Professor Jegede was awarded the 2015 International Council for Distance Education (ICDE) Prize for Excellence for Life long Contribution to Open and Distance Learning worldwide, and also awarded the Association of African Universities (AAU) Excellence, and its ambassador in Open and Distance Learning in 2023. He was appointed Emeritus Professor in 2015 by the National Open University of Nigeria.

In addition to being the UNESCO Chair of Open and Distance Learning from 2002 to 2007, Professor Jegede is privileged to be amongst few academics in the world, who have distinguished themselves by holding two Professorial chairs in two distinct areas of expertise. He is therefore a Chair Professor of Science Education (appointed by the University of Abuja in 1990) and a Chair Professor of Research in Open and Distance Learning (appointed by the Open University of Hong Kong in 1997).

He is a fellow of many professional organisations, received honorary doctorate degrees, published more than 25 books, given over 200 keynote addresses and convocation lectures; and published over 186 articles in foremost journals in the world. He has received several awards for his contributions to education.

Open and Distance Learning through correspondence studies in 1728 when Caleb Philips advertised for learners to study Shorthand has metamorphosised into what is now known as Open Flexible and Distance Learning (OFDL). Open education began in earnest in 1969 with the first open university, The Open University of the United Kingdon. Since then, the horizon of open education continues to expand, improve in quality and sophistication mainly due to emerging technologies. The main fulcrum of open education is to enhance access. Ensuring that no one is left out. open education has emerged as a transformative force, reshaping traditional paradigms and fostering a more inclusive and accessible learning environment.

The trends in open education reflect a global movement towards democratising knowledge, breaking down barriers to entry, and embracing innovative pedagogical approaches. The overarching theme of the future of open education is open education practice. Through open educational practice, there is a promise of a more equitable and interconnected educational ecosystem, where learners from diverse backgrounds can access high-quality resources, collaborate seamlessly, and chart personalised learning journeys. The trends in open education which will revolutionise the future of open education practices include measurable skills and micro-credentials, artificial intelligence, block chain, virtual and augmented reality, IoT, new LMS, and intelligent and smart use of social media and network. The effects of these will be multi-dimensional and transformative, hugely profound affecting every human on the globe. Institutions must braze themselves for the avalanche of what is to come as the education of the future, which is already upon us.