Education expert has urged secondary schools to adopt hybrid learning, a system that combines traditional classroom teaching with online instruction, to improve learning outcomes and prepare students for the digital age.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking at an education forum on Friday, the expert stressed that the current model of teaching in many schools is outdated and does not fully equip students with the skills needed in today’s world. He said hybrid learning could bridge the gap between conventional methods and modern technology.

Hybrid learning allows students to learn in classrooms while also using digital tools, such as virtual lessons, e-libraries, and interactive platforms. The approach, according to the expert, can expand access to knowledge, reduce learning barriers, and make education more flexible.

“The future of education is not only in the classroom. It is also online,” he said. “By embracing hybrid learning, we can ensure students develop critical thinking, creativity, and digital literacy, which are essential in the 21st century.”

The call comes as schools across the country continue to face challenges of overcrowded classrooms, limited resources, and uneven access to quality teachers. Many education stakeholders believe technology can help address these gaps if used effectively.

Parents and teachers have shown mixed reactions to the proposal. Some welcome the idea, saying hybrid learning can make lessons more engaging and expose students to a wider range of materials. Others worry about issues such as poor internet connectivity, lack of digital devices, and the risk of widening inequality between students in urban and rural areas.

Despite these concerns, the expert emphasized that hybrid learning does not mean replacing teachers or reducing classroom interaction. Instead, it is meant to support teachers with technology and give students more opportunities to learn at their own pace.

He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic proved the importance of digital tools in education. During school closures, many students depended on online classes and digital platforms to continue learning. However, he said, the experience also showed that many schools were unprepared for large-scale online learning.

“COVID-19 was a wake-up call. We saw the strengths and weaknesses of our education system. Hybrid learning is the way forward because it combines the best of both worlds,” he added.

Education analysts agree that the government must play a key role in making hybrid learning possible. Investment in infrastructure such as internet access, electricity, and affordable digital devices will be critical. Training teachers to use technology effectively will also be necessary.

Some schools in private and urban areas have already started experimenting with hybrid learning models. These include the use of smart boards, online assignments, and blended lessons where students spend part of the week in classrooms and part of it learning online.

Experts believe such initiatives can inspire public schools, but stress that scaling up will require strong policy support. They also warn that without careful planning, hybrid learning could deepen the digital divide.

“Technology is not a magic solution,” said an education consultant. “We must ensure every child, whether in a rural village or a city center, has equal opportunity to benefit. Otherwise, hybrid learning will leave some children behind.”

The expert who championed the proposal concluded by urging collaboration among government, private sector, and civil society to ensure success. He said hybrid learning can transform education in the country if stakeholders act together.

“Education is the foundation of our future. If we do not adapt to the changes of the modern world, our students will fall behind. But if we embrace hybrid learning, we can give them the tools to compete globally,” he said.

As the debate continues, many stakeholders agree that the next steps must include pilot projects, teacher training, and policies to expand access to digital resources. For parents and students, the promise of hybrid learning remains both exciting and uncertain.

At the heart of the discussion is one key question: how can schools balance tradition and technology to create a stronger, more inclusive education system for the next generation?