ICT University Reinforces E-learning As Battle To Contain Coronavirus Intensifies

BUEA, Cameroon- Over the years, the ICT University has distinguished itself as Africa’s foremost technological university through its online and onsite operations.

These dual modes of operations have accorded the university a comparative advantage over other higher institutions of learning, especially in meeting the academic needs of students during tempestuous periods.

  However, with the current global health pandemic triggered by the outbreak of the coronavirus that has led to the shutting down of educational establishments in Cameroon, most African countries and the world at large, officials of the ICT University Cameroon, in a bid to contain the spread of the virus, have responded positively to Government’s prescriptions by limiting its operations only online.

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While other institutions have completely shut down, the ICT University Cameroon has continued to operate this time only through its cutting-edge online platform. This decision is in tandem with the March 20 press release issued by Cameroon’s Ministry of Higher Education, after a crucial meeting between the Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education, Prof Jacques Fame Ndongo and Heads of public and private, national and international Higher Education Institutions in Cameroon and other educational stakeholders.

In the communiqué, Prof. Fame Ndongo and the other educational stakeholders resolved to shut down all onsite educational establishments, but advised that online training activities can continue with the help of new information and communication technologies, and the effective use of social media and particular institutional digital platforms for teaching.

Speaking to reporters at the campus of the ICT University Cameroon in Yaounde, Thursday, March 19, the Technology Officer of the citadel of learning, Paul Tani Schmidt, said even though e-learning seems to be a novelty to must Cameroonian institutions, the ICT University Cameroon has, over the years been operating both online and onsite. He asserted that: “We have students who study on our Cameroon campus online from Europe, America, Asia, the Middle East and many other African countries and they all come over to Cameroon during our graduation ceremonies.”

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Tani Schmidt further stated that ICT University’s e-learning platform is innovative and has a flexible timetable for working students.  “There are a lot of students who want to work and study. So, our online programme gives them the opportunity to do so…the advantages with e-learning are that classes are highly interactive, students can ask questions to their teachers and lectures are all recorded which students can always go back and listen to the records.”

Created in 2010 in the USA, the ICT University has been extending its branches in developing countries. It currently has a campus in Uganda and a campus presence in Zimbabwe and very soon Nigeria and Guinea Bissau.

The institution also runs a huge digital literacy programme in India and has become a reference in the training of scholars, innovators, researchers and entrepreneurs, who are not only standing up to the exigencies of the 21^st Century, but who have also championed the economic growth of their respective countries.

Presently the ICT University is meeting the academic needs of some 15,000 students across the globe through its online programmes. It offers Diplomas, Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral degrees to it students, and technocrats who graduate from this reputable institute of learning as ICT experts, technopreneurs, renewable energy engineers and business managers are already making their mark in resolving community problems.

Meanwhile, because of its solid programmes, the university has equally created partnerships and exchange programmes with top universities in America, Europe, Africa and Asia, which further enhance its academic, researcher and innovative drive and above all its cultural diversity.

The institution’s community outreach programmes, its social engagements and recreational activities are second to none. These programmes distinguish the university from other higher institutes of learning in the world.

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