Unicaf University Excels at National Open Distance e-Learning Symposium

Unicaf University has emerged as a prominent player in the field of Open Distance e-Learning (ODeL) following its successful participation in the 1st National ODeL Symposium organised by the Ministry of Education. The event, held recently, provided a crucial platform for enhancing and promoting ODeL across all levels of the education sector, including ECDE, primary, secondary, and tertiary education.

The esteemed gathering, which lasted for two days, witnessed the presence of the Malawian Honourable Minister of Education and the Malawian Honourable Deputy Minister of Education. The symposium, intended to become an annual event, featured two distinguished keynote speakers who captivated the audience with their expertise and insights into ODeL:

1. Dr Daniel Tau: The Founding Vice-Chancellor of the Botswana Open University
2. Dr Morris Thomas: Provost for Teaching and Learning at Howard University, USA

An engaging panel discussion on ODeL took place on the first day, comprising the keynote speakers and Public Sector University Vice-Chancellors. The session was chaired by Dr Robert Ridley, who facilitated an enriching exchange of ideas and experiences among the esteemed participants. Additionally, on the second day, Dr Ridley and Steve Sharra presented Unicaf University’s innovative BEd (Primary Education) programme, which received an overwhelmingly positive response from the attendees.

Unicaf University made its mark at the symposium by organising an exhibition that showcased its cutting-edge initiatives in the field of ODeL. Led by Dr Saidi Jackson and MBA student Ms Charity Kadungure, the exhibition highlighted the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and particularly impressed the Minister, who commended Unicaf for its exceptional e-library demonstration.

Among the notable exhibitors was Kondwani Mushali, a talented BSc in Computer Science student at Unicaf University, who garnered attention with his own IT company, Neytech. His entrepreneurial endeavours showcased the University’s commitment to fostering innovation and practical skills among its students.

The successful engagement at the 1st National ODeL Symposium underscores Unicaf University’s dedication to revolutionising education through innovative learning methodologies and strategic collaborations. As the university continues to make significant strides in the field of ODeL, it remains committed to providing accessible and high-quality education to students across Malawi and beyond.