UNILORIN students relive African experiences in Virtual Classroom

Some students of the University of Ilorin participated in a Global Class Lesson
Plan involving students from the Colombia University, New York and Durham
College, Canada, during a virtual classroom session last Wednesday (February
11, 2015).

The event, which took place at the Network Operating Centre (NOC) of the
University of Ilorin, was aimed at enhancing interaction between students from
different cultures while giving them the opportunity to engage directly with a
global thinker who can enrich their understanding.

The theme of the lesson plan was “The Worldview”, which was discussed
among students of different cultures with the guest lecturer, Prof. Edwin
McDaniel of San Diego State University, USA, moderating.

A 400 level student of the Department of History and International Studies, Raji
Ibrahim Olabode, who shared his experience and knowledge he gained through
the virtual class platform, said, “This is another milestone achievement of the
University of Ilorin. This class has created a platform for us to explore other
parts of the world. I have always tried as much as possible to defend the
cultures and traditions of Africa and Nigeria.

What I have done today is to try to sell Nigeria as a country, try to sell Africa as a continent to other parts of the
world, making them understand that worldview is not just Eurocentric or
American alone; but that we African also have something to contribute to the
world and I appreciate the management of the University of Ilorin and the
Centre for International Education (CIE) for facilitating and making this
possible.”

Another 400 level student of the Department of History and International
Studies, Abdullahi Mohammed Jamal, said, “The University of Ilorin has given
an opportunity for Africa to be heard”.

On her part, Roseline Adidi, a 300 level Mass Communication student, said, “I
feel very happy and privileged to be part of this because it has given us a
platform to express ourselves and our views and to learn about other cultures
and other people’s views.”

Interacting with the students after the global class, Dr. (Mrs.) Saudat Abdulbaqi
of the Department of Mass Communication, described the virtual classroom as
an interesting session, which indicates that Nigerians study hard. “It is not all
of us that will have the opportunity of going outside Nigeria but that is just a
physical thing. Today, we have all gone abroad; we have been to Colombia,
New York”, she said.