Kaduna State Government has moved to partner Kaduna State University (KASU) with the University of London to develop digital and distance learning, following engagements at the 2026 Research in Distance and E-Learning (RIDE) Conference.
Commissioner for Education, Prof. Abubakar Sani Sambo, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, noting that the move is part of efforts to reposition the state’s education system toward a technology-driven and globally competitive model.
According to him, the state government sent a high-powered delegation of academics to the conference held at the University of London, where they engaged with “global experts in digital, blended, and distance education.”
He said the delegation also held strategic sessions with the University of London’s Centre for Online and Distance Education (CODE), described as “a leading global hub,” where Kaduna State University showcased its research capabilities.
Sambo stated that the engagement “opened pathways for institutional partnership between KASU and University of London” aimed at building capacity in digital and distance learning.
He further revealed that both institutions are set to formalise the collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen online and distance education delivery.
As part of the partnership, the commissioner said a pilot Central Learning Management System (LMS) would be deployed at Kaduna State University as a model for wider implementation across the state’s education system.
He added that “some academics will be trained in digital pedagogy and course delivery,” while both institutions would also undertake joint research and academic exchange programmes.
Sambo noted that CODE would provide technical support for the development of digital learning infrastructure, reinforcing Kaduna’s transition to modern education systems.
The commissioner also said the outcomes of the RIDE conference validated ongoing reforms in the state, particularly in expanding hybrid learning and computer-based testing.
He stated that the conference commended Kaduna’s efforts in strengthening the Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority (KSSQAA) through digital tools, as well as its push for equitable access to education via technology-enabled learning.
Sambo added that the state is also leveraging flexible and distance learning models to reach out-of-school children, in line with global best practices.
The delegation to the conference included senior academics and education officials such as the Vice Chancellor of KASU, Prof. Abdullahi Ibrahim Musa; Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Yusha’u Ango; Director-General of KSSQAA, Prof. Usman Abubakar Zaria; and Director of the Institute of Education, Dr. Fatima Shehu Kabir.
