![](https://dailystatesman.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Dr-Mahamudu-Bawumiamiddle-at-the-launch-of-IOLP.jpg)
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia(middle) at the launch of IOLP
Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia on Monday launched an Integrated Online Learning Programme (IOLP) offering over 3,000 free certificated courses and industry attachment for the youth as well as professionals.
The Integrated Online Learning Programme is a combined effort that will be run by the University of Ghana (Legon) in collaboration with international partners like Alison, Leyden Educational Foundation and SOLNetwork.
At brief ceremony held in Accra at the University of Ghana, Dr Bawumia emphasised that the need for digital inclusion has never been so important than now.
“Digitisation has become the protagonist for change in the education sector. From the Ghana card to mobile money interoperability, Ghana is on the move to improve the efficiency by which we govern ourselves,” he said.
Dr Bawumia also pointed out that the advancement of Information Communication Technology (ICT) had called for online learning as a feasible and economically appropriate means of extending quality higher education.
This, he noted, would offer several benefits, including saving time and money, better retention of taught material, and consistent and standardised training every time for all learners.
According to him, the impact of COVID-19 shows that our educational system needs to adopt a digital approach in teaching and learning across the Ghanaian educational system since online education has proven to be effective and beneficial in many grounds.
For his part, the Executive Director of the Leyden Educational Foundation, Dr. James Owusu, noted that formal and informal education systems must place a premium in quality education.
“Greater investment is needed in higher education vocational training, and skills acquisition. Integrated Competency-based Online learning will bridge the skills gap between the various diversities across the populace in Ghana,” he said.
![](http://dailystatesman.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Dr-Mahamudu-Bawumia-interacts-with-others-at-the-launch-of-IOLP-300x200.jpg)