Interactive Pedagogical Approach to Teaching in Nigerian Universities: Using Metaverse as Enabling Technology

Abstract

This paper explored metaverse literature and scholarly works to dissect the concept and potential s of metaverse, being a combination of three-dimensional virtual and real world inhabited by blockchain, artificial intelligence, digital twins, and other cutting -edge intelligent technologies. The study revealed that Metaverse offers a fully immersive educational experience like real-world classroom layouts in 3D form or constructed as partially or fully virtual scenes according to the learning content and the resources can be visualized, especially for the invisible or abstract concepts, items, or events in the physical world. The study further revealed the various challenges confronting the utilization of metaverse technologies in Nigerian Universities which range from inadequate infrastructural facilities, poor research activities, lack of stable electricity, lack of bandwidth and connectivity, inadequate ICT facilities and lack of technically experienced lecturers . The researchers recommended that government should allocate 26 percent of her total budget as recommended by UNESCO to educational sector to enhance the provision of necessary infrastructural facilities needed for the utilization of metaverse technologies in Nigerian Universities. The researchers further recommended that Federal, State government and Universities should undertake in-service training of lecturers through workshops, conferences, seminars and symposia on usage of metaverse, connect the Universities to stable electric grid , employ only competent and qualified lecturers as well as motivate them in terms of salary and other allowances so as to enable them discharged their duties effectively.