News

Fewer barriers, more opportunities: University of the People is disrupting the traditional higher educational model in South Africa

By: Shai Reshef, President of the University of the People (UoPeople)

University of the People (UoPeople) launched an Education Revolution in 2009 that has exploded in recent years to become the fastest-growing online university in the world. UoPeople’s innovative tuition-free model of higher education is quickly gaining momentum among South African students looking at cost-effective ways to earn a degree from an accredited and respected university. UoPeople President Shai Reshef says embracing a disruptive educational model is necessary to make quality higher education accessible, affordable, and empowering for more people. 

The Covid-19 pandemic and other events over the past 18 months have accelerated existing trends at speeds few could’ve anticipated. Traditional institutions across the globe, understandably caught off guard, have scrambled to adapt. Higher education institutions that have been too slow to transform are now being forced to rethink their approach and develop business models and ethos for a new world in which students are ready for a more flexible and transformative learning environment.

With the rapid shift to online learning, there is a unique opportunity to prove that with the right support and training, digital teaching and learning can become successful and ubiquitous even in resource-strapped households, particularly within South Africa’s so-called missing middle student demographic.

Founded on the belief that higher education is a human right, UoPeople is the first non-profit, tuition-free, American-accredited online university. The University is dedicated to providing access to higher education globally to help qualified high school graduates overcome the financial, geographic, political and personal constraints keeping them from university studies.

One way of achieving this is by thinking globally and acting locally. The University of Cape Town’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Mamokgethi Phakeng, is an advisor on the President’s Council of University of the People, together with Presidents and Vice Chancellors of some of the best universities in the world. Wits University’s Emeritus Professor, Barry Dwolatzky, serves on the University’s Computer Science Advisory Board.

Embracing disruptive education requires a paradigm shift which recognises some individuals need new and different strategies, resources, and ways of teaching and learning in order to secure employment and career success. Higher education institutions of the future will have to be far more dynamic and adapt quickly to meet the demands of the job market. For this reason, UoPeople offers Bachelor’s degrees in the high job demand academic programmes of Business Administration, Computer Science, and Health Science as well as a Master’s in Education and an MBA. These programmes were specifically chosen for their real-world relevancy and students can study from anywhere, on any device – even a mobile phone.

In addition to transforming lives and championing social good, producing employable graduates who go on to find fulfilling careers remains central to meaningful disruption in education. According to UNESCO, by 2025 almost 100 million students will be deprived of higher education simply because there isn’t enough space in existing institutions. In South Africa there are an estimated 1,4 million individuals who have completed secondary education but have been unable to enrol in a bachelor’s degree program due to limited seats or financial constraints.

With advances in technology, steadily growing smart device penetration, and ongoing pressure for reduced broadband and data prices, much more can be done to address the country’s critical skills shortage and persistently high levels of unemployment. UoPeople has built a model to solve the artificial problem of space constraints because the institution knows there is a way to accommodate as many qualified students as possible, not just a few.

While higher education on its own is not a cure-all for every socio-economic challenge facing South Africa, it can make a significant difference. Disruptive education, or education that is delivered in an affordable, accessible and effective way is an empowering alternative for students ready to learn, work and thrive in an uncertain world defined by change.

For more information, please visit: www.uopeople.edu

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

You may also like

Business Economy

Gwandu Urges African Countries to Unite for 600MHz Mobile Spectrum Allocations

post-image

Dr. Bashir Gwandu, former Acting Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and former EVC/CEO, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), has urged African countries to unite and work  together to secure 600 megahertz (MHz) band mobile spectrum allocations.

 The independent telecom expert stated this at the just concluded 9th Sub-Sahara Spectrum Management Conference 2024, held in Nairobi, Kenya on 6-7 November, organised by Forum Global on the third theme: “From WRC-23 to WRC-27- Emerging Landscapes  & Technologies and the Path Ahead.”

Dr. Gwandu who held various chairmanship positions at the both the ITU and Commonwealth including the ITU Radiocommunications Advisory Group (the RAG), The Joint Task Group, and Commonwealth ITU Group (CIG), made the call during his opening remarks on the 600MHz spectrum discussions.

While making a presentation on the session: “The shape of Post-WRC spectrum ecosystems”, he called for…

Read More
Announcements Business Featured International Opinion Society

Moppets Baby Food Achieves HACCP Certification, Setting New Standards in Food Safety

post-image

 

In a significant milestone for Moppets Baby Food, Engr. Roberta Edu, CEO of the popular children’s food brand, recently announced their achievement of HACCP certification—a globally recognized food safety standard. Moppets, a subsidiary of Frills by Roberta, achieved this certification after rigorous assessments and audits, underscoring their commitment to quality and safety.

Edu shared the journey behind this accomplishment: “If you follow our Moppet Foods story closely, one thing you’re going to take away is how daring we’ve been over the years and how committed we are to excellence.” She recalled that upon learning the brand needed HACCP certification to supply to a specific NGO, the challenge initially appeared daunting. However, her determination turned that challenge into a goal, setting the company on a path toward stringent safety compliance.

 

Moppet Foods undertook comprehensive audits…

Read More
Business Economy Government Society Software

First Lady Empowers Women ICT Beneficiaries with Laptops and Financial Support

post-image

 

In a significant boost for women in technology, beneficiaries of the Women ICT Training Empowerment Programme, organized in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative, received brand new laptops and financial support from Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

This initiative aligns with the National Information Technology Development Agency’s (NITDA) Digital4All (#DL4ALL) program, a strategic part of Nigeria’s broader mission to foster digital literacy and skill acquisition across the nation. NITDA’s ambitious Digital4All plan is geared toward achieving 70% digital literacy by 2027, a goal expected to drive Nigeria toward a more inclusive and digitally empowered society.

Her Excellency’s support underscores the federal government’s commitment to empowering women with the necessary tools and resources to thrive in an increasingly digital world. As beneficiaries received their laptops and cheques, this initiative highlighted the transformative potential of digital skills in enhancing economic opportunity and self-sufficiency among…

Read More
Business Economy

Dr. Bosun Tijani Leads Stakeholder Engagement in Lagos on Digital Economy & e-Governance Bill

post-image

Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, today led a significant stakeholder engagement on the proposed Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill. Held in Lagos, this meeting is part of an extensive consultation initiative that spans Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), aimed at shaping legislation to catalyze the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.

“Today in Lagos, we held a stakeholder engagement on the Digital Economy & e-Governance Bill as part of our wide-ranging consultation across the 36 states and FCT of Nigeria,” stated Dr. Tijani. “With no current overarching law to back the digital economy in Nigeria, we are keen to collectively craft a piece of legislation that can help us accelerate the…

Read More
Business International News

Vertiv Concludes Successful AI Solutions Innovation Roadshow in Dubai

post-image
The event showcases latest AI-ready infrastructure solutions, including key innovations in power and cooling
 (NYSE: VRT), a global leader in critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, recently concluded its highly anticipated AI Solutions Innovation Roadshow in Dubai, UAE.
Held at Crowne Plaza – Dubai Marina, the event was part of a global series aimed at educating and equipping customers and consultants with essential expertise for deploying high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. During the roadshow, Vertiv experts introduced the eight infrastructure imperatives to enable AI, shared insights on key challenges and opportunities and provided participants with a deep understanding of the latest innovations supporting HPC infrastructure, as well as the impact on data center power and cooling systems.
Tassos Peppas, Regional Director for Middle East, Turkey and Central Asia (METCA) region at Vertiv, said: “Dubai stands at the forefront of high-performance computing and AI innovation, setting a…

Read More
Business News Security Society Technology Technology Trends

Airtel Nigeria Graduates First Cohort of Groundbreaking Open Talent Economy Program

post-image

 

Airtel Nigeria has marked a significant milestone with the graduation of the first cohort from its Open Talent Economy (OTE) program, an ambitious initiative aimed at preparing undergraduates for the evolving demands of the modern workforce.

The pioneering program welcomed 14 undergraduates from top institutions, including Pan Atlantic University, Lead City University, Federal University of Technology Akure, Oduduwa University, and the University of California. Over a period of 120 days, these young talents received hands-on field training and contributed to live projects, gaining direct experience in real-world business environments.

Dubbed “Airternship,” the OTE program serves as a mutual engagement platform, allowing Airtel Nigeria to connect with the ambitions and perspectives of the youth while equipping them with the skills needed to thrive professionally. The program reflects Airtel Nigeria’s commitment to nurturing future leaders by providing practical experiences that go beyond the traditional classroom setting.

“Airtel Nigeria’s mission is to give young talents…

Read More
Announcements Business Culture Economy Education News Security Society

Nigeria Data Protection Commission Partners with Social Media Influencer Enioluwa Adeoluwa to Boost Privacy Awareness

post-image

 

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has taken a significant step in advancing data protection awareness in Nigeria by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with popular social media influencer, Enioluwa Adeoluwa. This collaboration aims to reach Nigeria’s vast social media user base and promote awareness about data privacy rights and responsibilities.

During the signing, the National Commissioner and CEO of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, emphasized the scale of Nigeria’s social media engagement, noting that an estimated 40 million Nigerians interact online daily. He explained that the partnership with Enioluwa is designed to educate individuals about their privacy rights while reminding data controllers and processors of their obligations under Nigeria’s data protection regulations. “With Enioluwa’s extensive social media following, this partnership is poised to amplify the Commission’s message, expanding public understanding of our mandate and advancing our roadmap for awareness creation,” Dr. Olatunji stated.

Enioluwa expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration,…

Read More
Business Economy International News Society Software Technology Technology Trends Telecoms

Digital sovereignty: the key to data control, security, and independence

post-image

By Alex Galbraith, CTO, Cloud Services at SoftwareOne

Working with data can be a blessing and a curse. While it is the definitive factor that empowers digital transformation efforts, aids decision-making and stores an organisation’s most valuable and confidential assets, dealing with data is often a business’ greatest challenge. As the world’s dependence on data grows and the threat of cyberattacks increases, businesses need solutions that will them manage, govern, and safeguard their data more efficiently – and this is where digital sovereignty comes in.

Digital sovereignty helps people, businesses, and countries to stay in control of their digital assets and data. It goes beyond ownership of data – it means having full authority over everything from where and how data is stored and processed to fostering independence in technological development to enforcing local laws and regulations within the digital space. Ultimately, it offers businesses increased control, security, and…

Read More