OUK Asked to Join African Council for Distance Education
The Open University of Kenya (OUK) has been invited to join the African Council for Distance Education (ACDE), a continental body that brings together leading institutions in open and distance learning. The move is seen as recognition of OUK’s potential to shape the future of technology-driven and flexible education in Africa.
During a courtesy visit to OUK, Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor and ACDE Secretary General, Prof. Paul Wainaina, underscored the value of joining the council. He noted that membership would not only raise OUK’s visibility and profile but also connect it to a vibrant network of institutions advancing distance learning across the continent. He emphasized that the future of education lies in flexible, technology-driven approaches and OUK is strategically placed to lead this transformation.
OUK Commits to Driving Digital Learning
OUK’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Prof. Carolyne Omulando, described the proposal as a great honour, affirming the university’s readiness to champion digital education. She explained that OUK’s mandate is not merely to narrate the story of online learning but to demonstrate it in practice. By collaborating with ACDE, the institution aims to strengthen open and distance learning in Kenya, the wider region and the international space.
A Continental Network of Open Universities
ACDE brings together universities and higher education institutions that specialize in distance education. Founding members include the University of South Africa (UNISA), the National Open University of Nigeria, the Open University of Tanzania, the Open University of Mauritius, Zimbabwe Open University, the Open University of Sudan and UNICED in Mozambique. Since its launch in 2004 at Egerton University, the council has grown into a continental body recognized for its commitment to promoting quality distance education.
OUK Staff pose for a photo with ACDE council members
Leadership and Specialized Programmes
The council’s leadership is drawn from across Africa. Its current president is Prof. Solomon Shibairo, Vice Chancellor of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, supported by Prof. Olufemi Peters, Vice Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria and Prof. Alex Makulilo, Vice Chancellor of the Open University of Tanzania. The East Africa representative is Prof. Isaiah Wakindiki, Vice Chancellor of KCA University. In addition, ACDE runs specialized programmes hosted by member institutions, including quality assurance in Nigeria, collaboration in Tanzania, ICT in Mozambique and knowledge dissemination at UNISA in South Africa.
Membership Benefits and Opportunities
ACDE Executive Director, Dr. Teresa Mwoma, urged OUK to take its rightful place in leading continental efforts, noting that the secretariat is already based in Kenya. She highlighted the three categories of membership— institutional, associate and affiliate—each offering opportunities to serve on the governing council, benefit from training, participate in collaborative projects and host the triennial General Assembly and Conference. She further encouraged OUK to adopt ACDE’s quality assurance toolkit to enhance peer review and international accreditation.
OUK Positioned as Africa’s Next Distance Learning Hub
With ACDE’s invitation, OUK is now set to play a central role in advancing open and distance education. The move positions the university not only as a national flagship for digital learning but also as a continental hub, working to expand access, enhance quality and drive innovation in higher education across Africa.