Mountain Top University Unveils State-of-the-Art Language Lab with Sanako Software Integration

Professor Elijah Ayolabi, the Vice-Chancellor, Mountain Top University

 

In a significant step toward academic innovation and global educational excellence, Mountain Top University officially launched its newly upgraded Language Laboratory on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. This initiative is part of the university’s broader commitment to excellence in pedagogy, skill acquisition, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Central to the enhancement is the integration of Sanako, a globally renowned multimedia language learning platform designed to elevate language education through immersive, interactive, and technology-driven instruction.

Originating from Finland, Sanako represents the cutting edge of language lab technology, currently deployed in over 114 countries and implemented in more than 50,000 educational institutions worldwide. The platform is specifically engineered to strengthen second-language acquisition by improving fluency, listening comprehension, pronunciation accuracy, and verbal interaction skills through dynamic teacher-student engagement.

The Sanako Study software further revolutionises the traditional classroom experience by enabling educators to efficiently manage and monitor student computers in real time. It facilitates personalised instruction, interactive learning activities, and the seamless administration of oral examinations. As the globally recognised benchmark in digital language labs, Sanako also integrates comprehensive classroom management features that enhance instruction delivery and student participation.

During the unveiling, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Elijah Ayolabi, expressed deep appreciation to the Chancellor, Dr D. K. Olukoya, for his philanthropic contribution and visionary leadership. His financial commitment played a pivotal role in bringing the landmark project to fruition. In his remark, the Vice-Chancellor noted that “this language laboratory marks a vital milestone in our journey toward adopting modern, technology-driven methods of teaching and learning. The integration of this advanced language laboratory software is aimed at providing our students and faculty with interactive tools that will transform the way languages are taught, learned, and assessed. From pronunciation and listening skills to real-time communication practice, this initiative will enrich the linguistic capabilities of our learners and align our pedagogy with global standards”.

Furthermore, the Vice-Chancellor emphasised the transformative potential of the facility, encouraging college members to harness its full capabilities not only for curriculum delivery but also to advance global competencies among students. He highlighted that cultivating a collaborative and innovative academic culture would propel Mountain Top University to new heights of distinction in teaching, research, and global relevance. He noted that the laboratory holds exceptional promise for students in language and social science disciplines, offering them unparalleled opportunities to develop practical communication skills, participate in real-time interactive exercises, and access international learning modules aligned with global best practices. He urged both staff and students to adopt a culture of intentional, consistent, and value-driven utilisation of the facility, cautioning against underuse or neglect.

Professor Ayolabi also commended the Head of the Department of Languages, Dr Mariam E. Anana, for her unwavering dedication, resilience, and professionalism throughout the planning and execution phases. In addition, he commended the project consultant, Professor S. A. Oluwayomi Oladunjoye, whose expertise and steadfast oversight were instrumental in the successful implementation of the Sanako solution. He was aptly described as an “apostle of language lab deliverance” by the Chancellor.

Mountain Top University, under the inspirational leadership of the Prof. Elijah Ayolabi, reaffirms its unwavering commitment to providing modern infrastructure, fostering world-class education, and producing graduates who are intellectually sound, morally upright, spiritually grounded, and globally relevant. Through initiatives such as the integration of Sanako software into the Language Laboratory, the institution continues to lead in educational innovation, research excellence, and value-driven development of students.