Plateau State University (PLASU), Bokkos, has commenced a one-week intensive training programme on the Tertiary Education Research and Applications Systems (TERAS) platform as part of efforts to transform the institution into a fully integrated Smart Campus.
The high-impact capacity-building workshop, funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), began at the university's ICT Directorate with a specialised session for management staff, deans, and directors. The training focuses on the technical setup, configuration, and customization of key digital learning and administrative modules.
Declaring the programme open, the Vice-Chancellor of Plateau State University, Professor Shedrack Gaya Best, challenged members of the university management to lead the institution's digital transformation drive. Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Keziah Ayuba, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the academic environment.
"As academics and administrators, upscaling our skills and constantly learning is not just a routine; it is our norm. Therefore, we must listen attentively and fully embrace this training to bridge the gap between traditional teaching methods and global best practices," he said.
Speaking with journalists, the Director of ICT, Mr. Sati Dapel, described the training as a comprehensive exercise aimed at onboarding management, heads of departments, lecturers, and students onto cutting-edge digital platforms supported by the Federal Government through TETFund.
According to Dapel, the university is deploying globally recognized Learning Management Systems (LMS), including Blackboard and Moodle, to enhance teaching and learning. He also disclosed that PLASU is introducing an Artificial Intelligence-powered academic platform known as "Distinction."
He explained that the AI tool is designed to simplify course development and delivery.
"With the Distinction AI integration, a lecturer can simply log into the platform, enter a course code, provide the course title and learning objectives, and the system automatically generates course content, relevant images, instructional videos, lecture outlines, weekly schedules, and student assessments," Dapel said.
He noted that the innovation would make teaching more efficient, interactive, and globally competitive.
Beyond digital learning platforms, the university is also investing heavily in physical ICT infrastructure as part of its smart campus initiative.
Dapel revealed that high-speed fibre-optic cables are currently being laid across the campus to connect all university buildings to a central digital network. New servers are also being deployed to facilitate free voice and video communication within the campus community.
In addition, construction is ongoing on a state-of-the-art Smart Hall equipped with interactive digital boards, synchronized microphones, and advanced audio systems to support modern teaching methods and virtual learning.
The ICT Director further disclosed that specialised software being deployed by the institution will create a real-time academic bridge between PLASU and universities around the world, enabling international scholars and guest lecturers to deliver live lectures to students in Bokkos.
The training programme is structured in phases, beginning with management staff, deans, and directors, followed by heads of departments, lecturers, and finally students.
Dapel expressed appreciation to the university administration for its support, particularly the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shedrack Best, whom he described as a visionary leader committed to technological advancement.
"We want to specially thank the university management, especially Professor Shedrack Best, for providing the ICT Directorate with the support and enabling environment necessary to drive this digital transformation agenda," he said.
With the implementation of the TERAS platform, artificial intelligence tools, advanced learning management systems, and smart infrastructure projects, Plateau State University is positioning itself among Nigeria's leading technology-driven institutions, equipping students with the digital competencies required in an increasingly globalized world.
Caption: Participants during the TETFund-sponsored TERAS Smart Campus training programme at Plateau State University, Bokkos.
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