Kenyatta University has reinforced its position as a leading institution in technology-enabled higher education following a courtesy call by a delegation from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Nigeria, seeking to learn from the University's experience in virtual and open learning. The engagement provided an opportunity for the two institutions to exchange expertise, explore institutional collaboration and strengthen approaches to delivering quality higher education through digital platforms.
The delegation was hosted by Prof. John Paul Oyore, Registrar, Research, Innovation and Outreach, who represented the VC, Prof. John Okumu. Led by Prof. Ikechukwu Nosike Simplicius Dozie, Vice-Chancellor of FUTO, the delegation expressed interest in strengthening the university's Open and Distance Learning (ODL) capacity by drawing on KU's experience in digital education.
During the discussions, Prof. Kennedy Otieno Awuor, Executive Dean of the Digital School of Virtual and Open Learning (DSVOL), together with his team, shared insights into the University's digital learning model and its operational experiences. Prof. Oyore highlighted assessment and examinations as some of the critical issues that institutions must address in implementing effective digital learning systems, underscoring the importance of robust mechanisms that uphold academic integrity and quality assurance.
Prof. Dozie commended Kenyatta University's Digital School, describing it as a world-class institution. His remarks reflected the growing recognition of KU's contribution to advancing technology-driven education and its capacity to share practical knowledge with other institutions seeking to strengthen their digital learning frameworks.
Prof. Gloria Chukwudeke of FUTO observed that the proposed collaboration should extend beyond digital learning to encompass other areas of mutual institutional interest. She also provided an overview of FUTO, noting that the university is 46 years old and has a student population of more than 30,000. Her remarks highlighted the potential for a broader institutional partnership that could facilitate knowledge exchange and cooperation across different academic and administrative sectors.
The engagement builds on the shared recognition that technology continues to reshape higher education delivery, creating opportunities for institutions to expand access, improve flexibility and enhance the learning experience. For FUTO, KU's experience offers valuable insights into the establishment and management of virtual and open learning programmes.
Through such engagements, Kenyatta University continues to strengthen its international academic linkages and position itself as a centre for knowledge sharing, innovation and excellence in digital education. The interaction with FUTO marks an important step towards exploring sustainable institutional cooperation that can advance higher education in Kenya, Nigeria and beyond.