The University of Ghana has commemorated ten years of the Sakai Learning Management System (LMS) with a two-day blended conference that brought together faculty, administrators, IT professionals, students and stakeholders in higher education.
The conference held under the theme “Digital Learning: Reflecting on a Decade of the Sakai LMS Journey at the University of Ghana,” the conference was organised by the School of Continuing and Distance Education (SCDE) under the College of Education. It celebrated the University’s digital learning journey while also providing a platform for reflection, critical dialogue and renewed commitment to inclusive and innovative teaching and learning practices.
Mr. Joseph Nkansah, College Registrar
Opening the conference on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Joseph Nkansah, College Registrar of the College of Education, underscored Sakai’s role as a cornerstone of academic continuity and innovation. He commended faculty, students and IT professionals for sustaining the system, while paying tribute to Professor Yaw Oheneba-Sakyi for pioneering its introduction at the University. Describing Sakai’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic as a turning point, Mr. Nkansah urged the University community to embrace emerging technologies while ensuring digital education remains inclusive. “Our responsibility is to embrace these opportunities, to integrate them wisely and to ensure that no one is left behind,” he said.
Professor Abena Yeboah-Banin, Dean of the School of Information and Communication Studies
Earlier, Professor Abena Yeboah-Banin, Dean of the School of Information and Communication Studies, who represented the Provost of the College of Education, described the celebration as both a landmark and a moment of critical reflection. She highlighted Sakai’s role in fostering resilience during the pandemic and highlighted the need to reimagine its possibilities. “This conference is an opportunity to critically examine the impact, reimagine the possibilities and reinvigorate our commitment to inclusive and adaptive learning technologies,” she remarked.
Professor Oheneba-Sakyi, Chairman of the Planning Committee
Professor Oheneba-Sakyi, Chairman of the Planning Committee, traced the system’s milestones from its pilot launch in 2014 to its transformation into a lifeline during the pandemic. He highlighted achievements including the introduction of the MA in Distance Education and E-Learning, its integration into PhD teaching and the global impact of alumni now in leadership roles. He also acknowledged challenges such as the need for continuous training and accessibility, while outlining plans to expand mobile access, adopt artificial intelligence responsibly and deepen pan-African collaboration.
Dr. Wilma Hodges, Keynote Speaker
Delivering the keynote address virtually, Dr. Wilma Hodges, Director of Training and E-Learning Initiatives at Longsight Inc. and Sakai Community Manager at Nova Southeastern University, Florida, USA, reflected on Sakai’s evolution in her presentation titled “The Sakai Story: Past, Present and Future of a Collaborative Vision.” She reaffirmed Sakai’s enduring purpose as a collaborative platform and encouraged participants to pursue innovation with clear vision and intentionality.
Professor Felix Ankomah Asante, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development
Closing the two-day conference, Professor Felix Ankomah Asante, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development, described the conference as powerful evidence of Sakai’s transformative potential. “This conference has been powerful evidence of Sakai’s impact and our determination to achieve global relevance through research, teaching, and learning driven by technology and people-centred approaches,” he said.
A panellist sharing insights during the discussion
Presenters engaging participants with their presentations during the breakout sessions
The conference featured plenary sessions, panel discussions and experience-sharing forums, offering participants a chance to reflect on Sakai’s contributions to advancing digital education.