Commonwealth of Learning

08/25/2026

More than 60 stakeholders from Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Togo came together for a recent COL-supported workshop led by the Regional Training and Research Institute for Distance and Open Learning (RETRIDOL), hosted at the National Open University of Nigeria.

Focused on quality assurance mechanisms for emerging issues in ODL across West Africa, the session examined how quality assurance can respond to changes shaping open and distance learning, including artificial intelligence, micro-credentials, open educational resources, cross-border provision and the evolving needs of diverse learners.

Watch RETRIDOL's video to hear from participating stakeholders on what institutions and regulators can do to strengthen quality assurance across the region.

National Open University of Nigeria - NOUN

08/24/2026

In order for open and distance learning to work effectively, institutions must have the knowledge, systems and confidence to ensure quality and respond to emerging challenges.

Through our Regional Training and Research Institute for Distance and Open Learning (RETRIDOL), hosted at the National Open University of Nigeria, COL is working with partners across West Africa to strengthen quality assurance practices and ensure that programmes remain relevant, effective and sustainable.

National Open University of Nigeria - NOUN

08/21/2026

How can open educational resources (OER) become more inclusive and meaningful across different contexts?

COL's new scoping review from Professor Lynne Bowker of Université Laval, Canada, explores 10 years of research on the localisation of OER in higher education (2016–2025). Examining how the field has evolved, the review traces changing definitions of localisation and identifies key challenges, gaps, and best practices emerging across higher education globally.

Bowker's findings point to significant opportunities for educators, institutions, and researchers to learn from one another and for OER to better reflect local contexts, cultures, languages, and diverse learner needs. Learn more: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6141

Université Laval

08/20/2026

Micro-credentials are creating new ways to learn, upskill, and respond to changing workforce needs. To be meaningful, however, their quality must be trusted by learners, employers, and education providers.

COL’s new Commonwealth Micro-credential Implementation and Quality Assurance Guide provides practical guidance for governments, regulators and other system-level actors working to strengthen quality assurance, approval and recognition. Developed as a companion to the Commonwealth Micro-credential Framework for Lifelong Learning (https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/5742), published in 2025, the Guide supports the development of credible and consistent micro-credential systems, strengthening collaboration between education providers and industry.

Discover more: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6144

08/17/2026

Happy Independence Day to the people of Gabon!

As one of the Commonwealth’s newest members, Gabon continues to work towards building a more inclusive and prosperous future. We congratulate the country on its newly unveiled 2026–2030 Interim Education Sector Plan, which positions education as a driving force for economic diversification, social cohesion, and international competitiveness.

The plan marks an important step towards equipping young people with future skills by expanding access to education, improving learning quality, strengthening governance, and advancing equity and inclusion. We commend Gabon for this important investment in its young people and in the country’s future growth, innovation, and development.

Ministère de l’Education Nationale, chargé de la Formation Civique

08/17/2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 Commonwealth People’s Forum, taking place in Antigua and Barbuda from 2–4 November alongside the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

The Forum will bring together civil society leaders, artists, activists and thinkers from across the Commonwealth to discuss pressing issues, exchange ideas and help shape solutions for the future. Key insights emerging from these conversations will be shared with Commonwealth leaders at CHOGM.

Interested in taking part? Apply to attend: https://commonwealthfoundation.com/2026-commonwealth-peoples-forum-interest-form/

The Commonwealth

Thank you for your interest in attending the Commonwealth People’s Forum 2026. We look forward to receiving your application. Please note that attendance at the […]

08/15/2026

On India's Independence Day, we recognise the country’s continued leadership in expanding access to education, skills and opportunity for a rapidly changing world.

As the country progresses towards Viksit Bharat, its development vision for 2047, momentum in education and skills development continues to grow. From AI-integrated curricula and expanded STEM opportunities for women, to affordable, industry-aligned vocational training under the National Education Policy, strategic efforts are helping lower barriers to quality learning and prepare learners for the future of work.

COL reaffirms its steadfast partnership with India to advance flexible and open digital learning, and to shape a future-ready, inclusive workforce for sustainable development.

Ministry of Education India in Canada (High Commission of India, Ottawa) India in Vancouver - Consulate General of India Col Cemca

08/14/2026

Congratulations to the young innovators who recently completed STEM Infused 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda, where participants explored pressing issues such as climate change, water conservation and marine ecosystem health through hands-on learning and innovation.

The Commonwealth of Learning was honoured to support this year’s Robotics programme, helping to lay the foundation for a broader regional robotics initiative ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November. Through this work, COL is supporting young people from across the Commonwealth Caribbean to collaborate across borders and develop innovative solutions to shared blue-green challenges.

We commend the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, the Ministry of Education, the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA), and other facilitators and partners for inspiring the next generation of Caribbean changemakers.

Antigua Ministry of Agriculture,Lands, Fisheries & The Blue Economy Ministry of Education - Education Broadcasting Unit Virtual University for Small States of the Commonwealth (VUSSC)

08/14/2026

On Pakistan’s Independence Day, the Commonwealth of Learning extends its best wishes to the Government and people of Pakistan.

As the country advances its human development goals, the country continues to build momentum in education and skills development. Initiatives linked to the Federal Education Policy 2026 process, including the expansion of non-formal learning, the integration of digital technologies in classrooms, and the scaling up of TVET through national youth programmes, are helping broaden opportunities for out-of-school learners and marginalised youth.

COL’s work in Pakistan also places a strong emphasis on gender equality, supporting women and girls to access education, develop skills and expand their opportunities to participate in their communities and the economy.

We are grateful for the opportunity to work in Pakistan as part of the Empowering Women & Girls project and to contribute to their efforts to advance inclusion, equity, and digital empowerment in support of sustainable development.

Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training Pakistan Allama Iqbal Open University Higher Education Commission, Pakistan COL4D's Empowering Women & Girls Bedari SPARC Fatima Jinnah Women University Virtual University of Pakistan

08/13/2026

“Our task is not simply to put AI tools in teachers’ hands, but to strengthen their agency to decide when, why and how AI can improve teaching and learning,” says Dr Betty Ogange, Education Specialist: Teacher Education at the Commonwealth of Learning.

As AI becomes an increasingly integral part of education, responsible integration must begin with teacher education and professional development. This means embedding AI literacy, ethics, critical thinking and inclusive practices into teacher education policies, curricula and assessment.

Our latest story looks at how South Africa is translating AI literacy into practical action across teacher education. Learn more: https://www.col.org/news/from-ai-literacy-to-action-south-africa-charts-a-path-forward-for-teacher-education/

DHET University of Pretoria University of Cape Town

Reading Time: 7 min readAs AI becomes an inevitable part of classrooms and teacher education, we have an opportunity to move beyond asking whether it will be used and instead focus on how it can be guided, and by whom. Teachers need more...