Accra: The University of Ghana's School of Continuing and Distance Education (SCDE) has marked 10 years of Sakai LMS integration, urging a nationwide push for digital education.
According to Ghana News Agency, the anniversary celebration, held at the Cedi Conference Room, convened lecturers, administrators, and education stakeholders under the theme: 'Reflecting on a Decade of the Sakai LMS Journey at the University of Ghana.' Discussions centred on the growing relevance of blended learning in Ghana's academic landscape.
Professor Yaw Oheneba, Chairperson of the Conference Planning Committee, explained that Sakai's journey began with pilot projects and gradually expanded into full-scale adoption. He noted its pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed both the platform's strengths and the university's digital limitations. "By fostering early digital literacy and blended learning habits, we can prepare the next generation to thrive in an increasingly digital world," he stated.
Prof. Oheneba called for collaboration with basic and senior high schools to build foundational digital skills and access to adaptive learning platforms. He added that the University of Ghana would champion Pan-African digital education by engaging in continental dialogues and promoting culturally relevant learning resources.
In a speech delivered on her behalf, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, mentioned that the Sakai experience demonstrates that digital learning is not merely about convenience. "Rather, it is about resilience, adaptability, and the future of higher education," she stated. She emphasised the need to embrace emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and data analytics, urging academia to integrate them responsibly and inclusively.
Professor Samuel Nii Ardey Cudjoe, Provost of the College of Education, described Sakai as a catalyst for innovation and academic continuity. "The two-day conference is an opportunity to critically examine its impacts, reimagine the possibilities, and reinvigorate a commitment to inclusive and adaptive learning technologies," he said.
The celebration featured breakout sessions, panel discussions, and presentations, including 'From Kakai to Lifeline: Unpacking the Transformational Role of Sakai LMS for Seamless Academics.' Sakai is a free, open-source learning management system designed to support teaching, research, and collaboration. It is widely adopted by institutions globally to manage online courses and academic content.
