The Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, has said the institution is committed to strengthening its distance learning programme through the deployment of digital technologies to expand access to quality education.

Press reports Ahmed stated this during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the university and DazzleView Intelligent Technology Co. Ltd in Guangzhou, China.

This was according to a statement made available by Institute’s Director of Public Affairs, Auwalu Umar, to Press on Thursday.

The partnership is expected to deepen collaboration in educational technology, research, capacity building and industry engagement.

The Vice-Chancellor said technology-driven educational solutions could help address one of the most pressing challenges facing developing countries — the growing number of out-of-school children.

According to him, partnerships between universities and technology firms offer practical pathways for expanding access to quality education, particularly for underserved and vulnerable populations.

“Collaborating with technology companies can help address one of the most pressing educational challenges facing many developing countries — the problem of out-of-school children,” Ahmed said.

He added, “Effective pathways for expanding access to quality education for underserved and vulnerable populations can be explored by leveraging technology-enabled solutions.

“This is an area where partnerships between universities and technology companies can make a truly transformative difference.”

Ahmed described the agreement as a significant step toward advancing innovation and educational development.

“The partnership between ABU and DazzleView presents an important opportunity to strengthen collaboration in educational technology, research, capacity building and industry engagement.

“Together, we can connect knowledge with practical application, transform ideas into solutions and ensure that technology serves as a powerful tool for inclusion and development,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor explained that the Memorandum of Understanding on smart education would serve as a foundation for a stronger and more productive relationship between both organisations.

He expressed appreciation to DazzleView for its support to the university over the years, particularly the donation of a smart classroom facility in 2022.

According to him, the facility has significantly enhanced teaching and learning at the institution and demonstrated the transformative potential of technology in education.

“We remain grateful to DazzleView Technology for the donation of a smart classroom to the university in 2022. The facility has significantly enhanced teaching and learning and demonstrated the transformative power of technology in education,” Ahmed said.

He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research and innovation, noting that ABU was also prioritising entrepreneurship and the commercialisation of research outputs.

Ahmed said the institution was working to ensure that research findings and innovations are translated into practical solutions capable of addressing societal challenges and driving economic development.

Local media reports that the partnership comes at a time when Nigerian universities are increasingly embracing digital learning models to widen access to higher education amid growing demand for university admission and limited physical infrastructure.

Nigeria is also grappling with one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children in the world, a challenge compounded by insecurity, poverty and inadequate educational facilities in many communities.

Founded in 1962 and located in Zaria, Kaduna State, Ahmadu Bello University is one of Nigeria’s largest and most prestigious tertiary institutions, with a student population running into tens of thousands across its undergraduate, postgraduate and distance learning programmes.

In recent years, the university has intensified efforts to modernise its teaching methods through digital innovation, online learning platforms and strategic partnerships aimed at improving access to quality education and enhancing research output.