By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Dakar, Senegal – Former ECOWAS Parliamentarian, Ibra Diouf, has emphasized the important role the regional parliament can play in promoting Education Technology (EdTech) and innovation across West Africa.
Speaking on Wednesday, during the third day of the delocalized meeting of the ECOWAS Parliament Joint Committee on Education, Science and Culture, Health, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, Diouf urged the Parliament to take a leading role in modernizing education systems through the use of ICT.
According to Diouf, “The Parliament can play a leading and very useful role in promoting regional policy on EdTech and innovation for teaching and learning by relying on ICT to renovate, innovate, and improve the performance of all actors in the education and training sector.”
The ongoing session in Dakar, Senegal, centers on the theme: “Prioritizing Education Technology and Innovation in the ECOWAS Region,” with a particular focus on how Artificial Intelligence can be effectively integrated into education systems in West Africa.
Diouf Calls for Comparative Study and Policy Recommendations
During his presentation on “The Role of the ECOWAS Parliament in Promoting Regional Policy on EdTech and Innovation,” Diouf called on the ECOWAS Parliament to commission a comparative study on the use of ICT in education and training, from preschool to higher education.
He urged the Parliament to make practical recommendations for governments, educators, and parents.
“To do this, the reason for the use of ICT in our education systems must be the search for practical, reliable, and effective modalities,” he said.
“This is why it is necessary to significantly increase teacher training on the use of ICT, revise and refocus teacher training, and establish support policies for learners.”
He added that this training must involve all actors in the education system—teachers, school administrators, and supervisory bodies—to ensure better monitoring and adequate supervision.
Recommendations to the ECOWAS Parliament
Hon. Diouf stressed the need for a harmonized regional education system, facilitated by ICT and aligned with ECOWAS’ socio-economic development goals. He outlined several key recommendations for the Parliament:
- Harmonize teacher training policies and curricula across member states.
- Standardize EdTech curricula from preschool through higher education.
- Coordinate research initiatives, particularly in action research related to educational innovation.
- Promote the networking of education reform stakeholders.
- Monitor and evaluate the implementation of these recommendations.
A Call for Sustainable Integration of ICT in Education
Diouf concluded by emphasizing the need for sustainable integration of ICT in education and training systems across the region.
“It is necessary to rethink the mode of integration by ensuring the availability of both human and material resources to support the effective and long-term development of educational ICT,” he said.
