People

New Focal Point

UGANDA
Mr Timothy Ssejjoba
Ministry of Education and Sport

FIJI
Mr Vilitati Togavou
Ministry of Education,
Heritage and Arts

New COL Chairs

COL is pleased to announce the appointment of six new Chairs for the period 2023 to 2026:

• Professor Shironica P. Karunanayaka
  The Open University of Sri Lanka
• Dr Mark Nichols
  Te Pūkenga – New Zealand
  Institute of Skills and Technology
• Professor John Traxler
  University of Wolverhampton,
  United Kingdom
• Professor Geesje van den Berg
  University of South Africa
• Professor Denise Whitelock
  The Open University, United Kingdom
• Professor Michalinos Zembylas
  Open University of Cyprus

Chairs were selected from numerous applications received from various open and distance learning (ODL) experts in the Commonwealth. The COL Chair programme is designed to (i) facilitate the development of effective ODL and technology-enhanced education and training through advocacy, research and capacity building across the Commonwealth; (ii) strengthen regional co-operation; and (iii) provide visibility for COL in the field. COL Chairs are honorary positions hosted by universities within the Commonwealth.