Speaker
Description
Abubakar, S.
Kano State College of Education and Preliminary Studies
shehucomrade@gmail.com
Track: Digital Transformation in Higher Education
By
Dr. Shehu Abubakar
Department of Primary Education, School of Education
Kano Sate College of Education and Preliminary Studies KASCEPS
Email: shehucomrade@gmail.com
Phone: +2348035915049
Abstract
The rapid advancement of digital technologies has transformed educational systems worldwide, creating new opportunities and challenges for higher education institutions. In Africa, the persistent digital divide continues to hinder equitable access to quality education, limiting the development of future-ready graduates. This paper examines the role of educational psychology in addressing digital inequalities and reimagining teaching, learning, and student support systems within African higher education ecosystems. Drawing on contemporary literature and emerging educational technologies, the study explores how psychological principles can inform the design of inclusive, learner-centered, and technology-enhanced educational environments. The paper highlights key factors influencing digital learning adoption, including digital literacy, motivation, self-regulated learning, socio-economic disparities, and institutional readiness. It further discusses strategies for fostering cognitive engagement, resilience, and adaptability among learners in an increasingly digital world. The study concludes that bridging the digital divide requires a multidimensional approach involving policy reforms, infrastructure development, capacity building, and the integration of educational psychology principles into digital transformation initiatives. By reimagining educational psychology for the digital age, African higher education institutions can create sustainable and inclusive learning ecosystems capable of preparing students for the demands of the twenty-first-century knowledge economy.
Keywords: Digital Divide, Educational Psychology, Higher Education, Digital Learning, Africa, Future-Ready Education, Technology Integration, Inclusive Education.