The Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has intensified its digital transformation drive with the deployment of about 13 functional digital platforms designed to enhance teaching, learning, research, student services and the overall administration of the University.
The development was disclosed during a staff orientation webinar on the University’s digital platforms, organised to familiarise members of staff with the newly deployed systems and demonstrate how they could be deployed to improve day-to-day operations across the institution.
Moderating the programme, the Director of the Directorate of Public Affairs and Communication (DIPAC), Dr Sunday Saanu, urged members of staff to take full advantage of the opportunity provided by the University, stressing that considerable resources had been committed to the digital transformation initiative.
Dr Saanu described the initiative as a significant step towards perfecting the University’s digital systems, noting that the webinar provided an opportunity for members of the University community to work together, brainstorm and understand the new platforms.
He also acknowledged the presence of members of the University’s leadership, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments and other stakeholders, before inviting the deputy vice-chancellor, academics, to give an opening remark.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof Babatunde Joshua Omotosho, welcomed participants to the webinar and commended the consultant and all those who worked behind the scenes to bring the project to fruition.
He said the initiative formed part of the University’s broader strategic plan and commitment to transforming the way it works and engages with students and other stakeholders.
According to DVC ( Academic), digital transformation goes beyond simply introducing technology, but involves making processes more efficient, transparent, accessible and responsive.
He noted that the platforms were expected to help reduce unnecessary delays, improve access to information and strengthen accountability across the University.
The Don further described the webinar as an opportunity for members of the University community to understand the capabilities of the platforms, ask questions and provide constructive feedback to ensure that the systems effectively respond to the needs of the University.
He also reiterated the commitment of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole to the University’s strategic objectives, particularly the deployment of technology to improve institutional operations and service delivery.
“The digital transformation agenda noted that FUOYE was operating in a digital era and must position itself to compete with leading universities globally”. He said
He went on, “The university’s vision was to position FUOYE among leading first-generation universities, stressing that technology-driven systems were essential to achieving sustainable institutional growth and development”
Speaking during the webinar, a representative of Bofatech Solutions, the technology partner on the project, said the initiative was aimed at digitalising teaching, learning and research while improving the effective management of the University.
The project leader, Awogbemi Olufemi, disclosed that the technology team comprised about 15 programmers working across Nigeria and Australia, adding that several of the platforms had already been deployed and were functional.
According to him, about four of the platforms were already being used by students, while others had been completed and were awaiting full user onboarding. He added that additional platforms were at advanced stages of development.
He explained that the digital platforms included the Smart Campus, University Enterprise Website, CASA (Unified Central Payment and Application Platform), Academic Staff Portal, Summer School Platform, Smart Campus Help Desk, e-Voting Platform, Digital Library, FUOYE Radio, University Events Platform, Hostel Portal, Smart Campus Learning Management System (LMS), Student Information System (SIS), and Digital Hub.
Olufemi described the Smart Campus as an integrated digital ecosystem rather than a single application, explaining that its major strength lies in the interoperability and synchronised operation of the various platforms.
He also highlighted the University Enterprise Website, saying it had been structured to provide comprehensive information about faculties, departments, courses, lecturers and other academic resources.
According to him, the website was being developed in line with global best practices and recommendations associated with Webometrics, stressing that FUOYE was no longer benchmarking its website only against Nigerian universities but against leading institutions in Africa and across the world.
He said the next major focus of the website would be to showcase the University’s research, innovation and academic achievements to the wider world.
The technology team also disclosed that more than 600 members of staff had activated their profiles on the Academic Staff Portal and were already using the platform.
The Smart Campus Help Desk was described as another important component of the digital transformation initiative, providing technical and user support to staff and students as they adapt to the new systems.
The team further revealed that thousands of students had already used the FUOYE e-Voting platform to participate in Students’ Union elections across the University.
On FUOYE Radio, the team disclosed that the platform had been enhanced with an AI-powered radio feature, while its capacity had been increased from about 700 to approximately 5,000 concurrent listeners.
The University Events Platform, according to the team, would facilitate the management of conferences, international events, calls for papers and staff training programmes, including attendance tracking and certificate issuance.
The Hostel Portal was also identified as a key initiative designed to harmonise private hostel accommodation within the University community. The platform is expected to provide students with a one-stop system for searching for available accommodation and making bookings.
The technology team assured members of the University community that the digital transformation process would be accompanied by continuous training, instructional videos and technical support from the Directorate of ICT Support and the technology partners.
The resource person emphasised that the platforms would continue to receive updates and improvements, noting that software development was an ongoing process rather than a one-time project.
