The Commonwealth of Learning (COL) promotes the use of open and distance learning (ODL) approaches and technologies to build the resilience of technical and vocational education training (TVET) systems by supporting ministries and regional and national authorities responsible for TVET.

COL has been partnering with Nigeria’s National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) in developing and implementing frameworks for the effective implementation of open, distance, and flexible e-learning (ODFeL). Currently, 40 institutions in Nigeria have been accredited to offer TVET using ODFeL approaches and technologies, a testament to the importance of this partnership in the development of standards.

Recently, COL hosted a workshop at NBTE’s Centre of Excellence in Kaduna for state officers to develop its quality assurance standards for TVET offered using ODFeL approaches and technologies. Tools for accrediting institutions, programmes, and trainers who implement programmes using these approaches were also developed. Representatives from the Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA) in Zambia and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority in Kenya joined their counterparts at the workshop.

At the opening session of the workshop, Professor Idris Bugage, Executive Secretary-NBTE, underscored the significant impact of the training in promoting digital transformation and fostering national development. He highlighted the absence of a standardised evaluation tool for ODFeL, despite its implementation in the TVET sector since 2021, highlighting this workshop’s crucial role in filling that gap. He also thanked COL for its continued support and acknowledged the pivotal role played by the NBTE Centre of Excellence in coordinating and implementing the project.

Robert Okinda, COL’s Adviser for Skills, emphasised the collaborative efforts between Kenya, Nigeria and Zambia in building the resilience of TVET in Africa. He highlighted the establishment of a community of state officers overseeing the quality and standards of open and distance learning where shared experiences, progress and lessons learned are discussed.

Phyllis Chibuye Kasonkomona, Director: Development at TEVETA, Zambia, stated that “the workshop has provided valuable insights by highlighting the similarities in the systems of Zambia, Nigeria and Kenya. Additionally, participants have agreed to adopt and adapt the best practices.”