The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • Czech Republic to partner UI on development models for Nigeria

    Czech Republic to partner UI on development models for Nigeria

    The Czech Republic has expressed readiness to partner with University of Ibadan (UI) to evolve models that will engender development in various sectors, especially, in education across West African country.

    The Deputy Head of Mission, the Embassy of Czech Republic in Nigeria, Mr. Martin Čech, and Prof. Jan Záhořík  from the University of West Bohemia of the country disclosed this during  a colloquium organised by the Embassy in collaboration with the premier university.

    The colloquium, which featured seasoned and internationally-acclaimed scholars from UI involved discussions on Czech Republic and Nigeria in the context of European Union (EU)- Africa Relations as well as collaboration with Czech Republic and the EU universities for a better future.

    In his remarks, the Deputy Head of Mission at the Czech Embassy, Mr Čech said the motivation for the programme was to birth mutually beneficially collaborations that would engender development. 

    He stated that the colloquium was apt as more discussions that would preserve diversity and strengthen development would be initiated.

    On his part, Záhořík, who is a Professor of African Studies at the University of West Bohemia, said the education system and development models of Czech Republic could be transplanted into Nigeria.

    He said: ‘’I am very happy to be here at this foremost university in Nigeria, if not even in West Africa. There are two things we intend to achieve with this. One of them is to continue with meaningful dialogues between the Czech Republic and Nigeria in terms of the roles we play in the changing global environment, which has shifted from a unipolar world to a multi-polar world and to see how we redesign and redefine our relationship.

    “The second one, which is more academic, is to find out the main areas of collaboration in areas  like engineering or social sciences and other fields. It is something we are going to explore in the nearest future, and apply for joint programmes for the capacity-building framework and to set up some academic collaborations which can be scientific, publication, research and academic exchange and mobility’’.

    Prof. Isaac Olawale Albert as well as Prof. Francis Egbokhare of UI, who were resource persons at the colloquium, said Nigeria could learn a lot from the Czech Republic.

    Read Also: Czech club capture Ex-Golden Eaglets star Lawali

    Albert, a globally-renowned scholar, said the colloquium was to forge  partnerships between Nigeria and the Czech Republic and learn from its  development models   for sustainable development.

    Albert said: ‘’The Czech Republic has 99 per cent literacy rate. It has $326 billion Gross Domestic Product (GDP). I am fascinated with this country. We want to understand the philosophy behind what they are doing. This is a country to learn from. We need new development strategies. 

    “Our thinking of development must change. We are looking for new ideas. We need a development model that is different from what we have now. The model must be the one that will produce results for the development of Nigeria.  We need to produce scholars that would contribute to national development.”

    ‘’The world is tired of the old relationships and looking for new relationships. We have problems to solve. To what extent are we adjusting our education to the problems? If you want to strengthen a system, you must invest more resources in the education of the system’’.

    On his part, Prof. Egbokhare, a towering literary icon, said there is a lot to learn from the Czech Republic. The professor, who said the informal sector is the biggest in the country, called on the European country to look into the sector for a sustainable relationship.

    Also speaking, Prof. Olatunji Oyeshile of the Department of Philosophy, who facilitated the event, urged Nigeria to learn the Czech Republic’s example by looking inward rather than looking elsewhere.

     He said, “The country looks inward, the law works there. They don’t have energy crises. Education must be in line with our needs. Let us have something developed within our culture and take it to the whole world. Let us think in that direction. This is one of the things we have to learn from the Czech Republic.”

    Earlier, while declaring the colloquium opened, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) of the university, Prof.  Olapegba said no entity could be an island unto itself. 

    DVC said: “You will have to look for people or entities to collaborate with. If  you want to go very fast, go alone, but then if you want to go very far, then go with others. This is the reason for creating this platform with the  Czech Republic so that there can be discussions on issues of mutual benefit and how people can overcome challenges.”

  • AAN seeks implementation of policy on albinism education 

    AAN seeks implementation of policy on albinism education 

    The Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN) has renewed calls for the speedy implementation of the Blueprint on Albinism Education in the country.

    Speaking at a one-day interactive meeting with the media,organised by AAN and funded by the Disability Rights Fund (DRF), Executive Director, Mrs. Bisi Bamishe, noted that the Blueprint on Albinism Education and National Albinism Policy  were  due for implementation.

    She bemoaned  the obstacles that persons with albinism encounter in their pursuit of education, from discrimination and stigma to inadequate facilities and lack of awareness. According to her, the road to inclusive education is faced with challenges in Nigeria. 

    “To mitigate the learning challenges faced by Persons With Albinism (PWAs) and create educational access, a Blueprint on Albinism Education in Nigeria, was developed by the Federal Ministry of Education. Consequently, the need for a more encompassing policy that will address the multi-faceted needs of Persons with Albinism became imperative. 

    Read Also: How albinism made me popular from birth, says Adewale Elesho

    “In 2012, a Ministerial Committee was set up by the then Honourable Minister of State for Education, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Wike, to develop a National Policy on Albinism. 

    “This immediately started with the involvement of a committee comprising of representatives from Federal Ministries of Education, Health, Women Affairs and Social Development, Justice, Finance, Labour and Employment; Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation and many other parastatals and private organisations. After the draft and justification of the policy through the appropriate quarters, it was finally accented in 2019 to last for a period of five years after which a review would be done to keep space with the current humanitarian and environmental activities. Unfortunately, this policy has not seen the light of the day since 2019.

    Bamishe stressed the need to implement the policies because PWAs persons with albinism are suffering and it seems there is no hope even though a national policy supporting their  course of living was initiated.

    “The National Policy on Albinism is a comprehensive framework designed to address the unique challenges faced by persons with albinism in Nigeria. The policy aims to promote social inclusion, economic empowerment, and access to education and healthcare for individuals with albinism. 

    “It was drafted in 2019 with plans to be implemented within five years. So, it was expected that its implementation would be completed by December 2024. Unfortunately, it has not seen the light of the day,” she added.

    She urged the media to raise awareness and combat myths, stigmas and misconceptions about albinism.

  • NewGlobe to showcase Nigerian Learning Success at 3rd ICESCO Education Ministers Conference in Oman

    NewGlobe to showcase Nigerian Learning Success at 3rd ICESCO Education Ministers Conference in Oman

    Nigeria’s Amina Mohammed, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group will co-lead the opening ceremony at the “Beyond Transforming Education”  Summit where NewGlobe, a global leader in learning and learning expert will be showcasing homegrown education transformation at scale success stories from impactful projects in Nigeria.

    On the 2nd and 3rd of October 2024, Muscat, the capital of Oman will host the 3rd ICESCO Education Ministers Conference, under the theme: “Beyond Transforming Education Summit: from Commitments to Actions,” according to the official website of ICESCO.

    The event is held by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in collaboration with Oman’s Ministry of Education and in coordination with the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science. 

    The Conference will see the attendance of education ministers from Islamic countries, along with high-level delegations from 27 regional and international organizations, as well as civil society institutions focused on educational matters.

    The Conference aims to strengthen the commitment to transforming education within ICESCO Member States, and to establish effective mechanisms for disseminating best practices and accelerating their implementation.

    Additionally, it seeks to foster cooperation among Member States, build a network linking funding and donor bodies, develop mechanisms to monitor the outcomes of the Education Transformation Summit, and create programs that support Member States’ efforts in this field. 

    The Conference will also highlight the ethical and value-based foundations underpinning education transformation in the Islamic world’s civilizational heritage.

    The Conference will feature a scientific exhibition, with participation from leading global organizations and companies in the field of education, including NewGlobe.

    NewGlobe represented by Dr. Shannon May Co-Founder and President will share insights and learnings from homegrown large-scale Nigerian education transformation solutions that NewGlobe has been a part of. 

    Partnering with State governments in Nigeria, NewGlobe is strengthening education systems in Edo (EdoBEST), Lagos (EKOEXCEL), Kwara (KwaraLEARN) and Bayelsa (BayelsaPRIME) and by extension delivering life-changing education solutions to children in urban and even hard-to-reach rural communities. 

    Read Also: World Youth Skills Day: How NewGlobe is equipping Nigeria for the future

    These states have adopted the attainment of SDG-4 as a strategy for enshrining future economic prosperity, peace and stability.

    NewGlobe partnered education programs utilize a holistic learning methodology that was the subject of a 2-year study led by 2019 Nobel Prize winning professor Michael Kremer. 

    The Kremer Study finds that NewGlobe methods deliver unequivocal major learning gains across every academic year in NewGlobe-supported schools, compared with other schools. These are particularly large in the “key grades” for Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN), primary classes One and Two.

    Kremer and his co-authors found that students in early childhood years supported by NewGlobe received the equivalent of an additional year and a half of learning in two years.

    NewGlobe is uniquely positioned to support foundational literacy and numeracy growth in Nigeria, a key objective for Nigeria’s participation in the ICESCO Education Ministers Conference tagged “Beyond Transforming Education – From commitments to Actions.

    Academic sessions will also be held during the Conference, addressing key educational topics such as: perspectives on global education, multilateral partnerships for transforming education, artificial intelligence in education, green education, and education during crises and emergencies. Several executive reports and technical documents will also be reviewed and adopted.

    The Reports to be discussed include: ICESCO’s educational activities from January 2021 to July 2024, the current state of girls’ education, media literacy, outcomes of the High-Level Ministerial Meeting in London, early childhood education and care development, and ICESCO’s Charter on AI Ethics. Moreover, the technical documents to be presented include: progress on transforming education from commitments to implementation (2022-2024), green education in Member States, improving teaching quality, and adapting the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) and digital education.

    The Conference will conclude with the adoption of the “Muscat Declaration on Transforming Education in the Islamic World” and the announcement of the date and location for the next edition of the Conference.

  • Presidency, foundation take civic education to Kwara schools

    Presidency, foundation take civic education to Kwara schools

    Office of the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Citizenship and Leadership in collaboration with Eagles Foundation for Humanity, conducted an outreach in Ansarul Islam Primary and Secondary Schools in Kwara State.

    The outreach, aimed at fostering national pride and civic responsibility among young Nigerians, took place in Igbonla, Irepodun local government area. 

    The outreach was part of an ongoing civic education project titled “Sowing seeds of national pride: Civic Engagement + Education for Unity.”

    The foundation is headed by a Fellow of the Emerging Political Leadership Fellowship (EPLF), Titilope Anifowoshe

    During the outreach, 250 students received school sandals and notebooks, along with a lecture on patriotism that emphasized the need for unity beyond ethnic and religious lines. 

    The project’s core aim is to educate and engage young Nigerians to instill values of national pride and civic responsibility. 

    Speaking during the outreach, Mrs Anifowoshe emphasized the importance of such initiatives in reviving a sense of unity and collective identity across the nation.

    Project Lead for Humanity 

    Ibrahim Abiola noted that *this initiative is not limited to these visits. 

    “This marks the beginning of a broader advocacy to integrate civic education into the curriculum of state-owned tertiary institutions in Kwara State. 

    Read Also: Presidency affirms Lokpobiri’s stance on petrol price feud

    “By working closely with educational authorities and the Kwara State government, we aim to develop a comprehensive curriculum that includes Nigerian history, government structures, civic duties, and national values,” Abiola stated. 

    “A pilot program will be introduced in select schools, with the vision to expand it to all state-owned institutions.”

    According to the Foundation, this outreach follows an earlier visit to Mahmud Ahmadiyya College, Ijede, and Ahmadiyya Muslim Jammah, Lagos State, on July 22, 2024, as part of the same initiative. 

    Anifowoshe reaffirmed her commitment to seeing civic education restored in Nigeria’s educational systems, believing it is essential for fostering a generation of citizens who are both knowledgeable about their country and committed to its progress.

  • UI don, Okafor calls for enforcement of regulations to protect Nigerian workers

    UI don, Okafor calls for enforcement of regulations to protect Nigerian workers

    Governments at all levels have been advised to set up standards and enforce regulations to protect Nigerian workers.

    A professor of Industrial Sociology and Employment Relations at the University of Ibadan, Professor Emeka Emmanuel Okafor gave this advice while delivering the 562 inaugural lecture of the University of Ibadan on Thursday.

    Okafor while delivering the lecture titled “The periphery of the periphery: Exploring the experiencing of non-standard workers” said that government is still the largest employer of labour in Nigeria.

    He added that governments have a crucial role to play in setting labour standards and enforcing regulations to protect workers’ rights and ensure decent work.

    Okafor while addressing the gathering enjoined governments at all levels to take action which includes regularizing non-standard workers in government ministries, departments, agencies, and parastatals.

    He also suggested that the governments should establish national social protection systems to provide social security and support for all workers, including non-standard workers, in terms of healthcare, pensions and unemployment benefits.

    The don urged the private-sector employers to ensure fair treatment and decent working conditions for all employees, including non-standard workers.

    Okafor who spoke further said that as a major stakeholder, the labour unions can advocate the rights and interests of non-standard workers.

    He concluded that higher institutions of learning can contribute to mitigating youth unemployment by incorporating entrepreneurship education into their curricula to equip students with the skills and mindset needed to start and sustain businesses.

    He also advised them to facilitate partnerships with local businesses and successful entrepreneurs to provide students with practical insights and mentorship opportunities and advocate government support in the form of infrastructure development and access to start-up capital for aspiring entrepreneurs.

    Okafor said: “In this part of the world, Nigeria, the government is still the largest single employer of labour. Thus, the government has a crucial role to play in setting labour standards and enforcing regulations to protect workers’ rights and ensure decent work. The actions the government at all levels is expected to take include:

    “Regularizing non-standard workers in government ministries, departments, agencies, and parastatals who are due for such in order to provide them with stable employment and career advancement opportunities as a way of showing good examples to other stakeholders. Combatting youth unemployment through job creation initiatives and reforms aimed at revitalizing the economy and attracting investments;

    Read Also: Surveyors urge strict enforcement to curb quackery in construction sector

    “Establishing national social protection systems to provide social security and support for all workers, including non-standard workers, in terms of healthcare, pensions, and unemployment benefits. Strengthening labour inspection mechanisms to enforce compliance with safety standards and provide adequate and timely compensation for workplace injuries and fatalities.

    “Private-sector employers have the responsibility of ensuring fair treatment and decent working conditions for all employees, including non-standard workers. These are some of the actions they can take. Regularizing non-standard workers based on performance and merit to provide them with job security and career progression opportunities. Providing adequate training and safety equipment to mitigate workplace hazards and prevent accidents. Supporting initiatives that promote workers’ well-being and social protection, such as health insurance and retirement benefits.

    “As a major stakeholder, labour unions can advocate the rights and interests of non-standard workers by doing the following. Pressuring employers to regularize non-standard workers and improve their working conditions through collective bargaining agreements.  Collaborating with government agencies and civil society organisations to push for policy reforms and better enforcement of labour laws and providing legal aid and representation to workers involved in disputes or seeking redress for labour rights violations.

    “Universities and other higher institutions can contribute to mitigating youth unemployment by incorporating entrepreneurship education into their curricula to equip students with the skills and mindset needed to start and sustain businesses, facilitating partnerships with local businesses and successful entrepreneurs to provide students with practical insights and mentorship opportunities and advocating government support in the form of infrastructure development and access to start-up capital for aspiring entrepreneurs”.

  • National Library seeks reintroduction of reading hours in schools

    National Library seeks reintroduction of reading hours in schools

    The National Library of Nigeria has called for the reintroduction of reading hours in timetables of schools nationwide.

    The agency said the proposal, alongside many others, forms part of the plan to ensure that there is no dearth of reading culture in Nigerian society.

    The Chief Librarian, Prof. Veronica Anunobi, stated this during the launch of the 2024 Annual Readership Promotion campaign which was declared open by the Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman in Abuja with the theme: ‘Reading Without Boundaries: A Renewed Hope.’

    She said: ‘In a bid to “Catch Them Young,’ this campaign prioritises pupils and students in secondary and primary schools, as well as those in Hard-to-Reach Communities.

    “In previous campaigns, we have reached Internally Displaced Persons camps, Nigerian Correctional Centers, artisans, market groups, hospitals, and motor parks, underscoring our commitment to making reading accessible to all segments of society thereby engendering inclusivity.

    “Our efforts in reinvigorating reading among Nigerians are multi-faceted. We are advocating for the institution of a National Reading Day and the reintroduction of reading hours into the timetables of all basic and secondary schools across the country.”

    Read Also: Minister pledges to complete 17-year-old abandoned National Library building

    She added: “Additionally, our state branches are actively establishing reading clubs nationwide (94 reading clubs are already active with more coming before the end of the year).

    “We are also modernising the outlook of our branches to create inviting and attractive reading environments, implementing new prototype buildings while renovating existing ones.

    “These branches are not only stocked with Nigeria’s intellectual heritages through legal deposit publications but also with resources tailored to the needs of their host communities, based on thorough community needs assessments.

    “Furthermore, our branches serve as reading hubs, both physically and virtually, with access to a wide range of online resources available 24/7, ensuring that Nigerians can engage with reading materials at any time while reading beyond boundaries.”

    Prof Mamman reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to completing the headquarters of the National Library of Nigeria.

    The minister did not however state the timeline within which the project would be completed.

    According to the minister, the theme aligns with the government’s ‘Education for Renewed Hope’ roadmap, aiming to make literacy a deeply ingrained culture in Nigerian society.

    Mamman, who was represented by the Director of Special Duties in the ministry, Zubairu Abdullahi, underscored the importance of reading in unlocking an individual’s potential, innovation and national progress.

    The minister said the campaign’s primary focus is breaking down barriers to reading, ensuring everyone has access to reading materials, regardless of background, age or location.

  • Hamzat, Fagboun, others to speak at National Youth Symposium

    Hamzat, Fagboun, others to speak at National Youth Symposium

    What role for youths in Nigeria’s battle for development? How do we tackle the challenges youths face?

    These and more are some of the questions to be tackled tomorrow at a symposium to mark the 60th birthday of Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat.

    Themed ‘Nigeria: Guiding the Youth on the Path of Self-Reliance’, will hold at the Victoria Garden Event Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.

    The one-day event, besides exhibiting Hamzat’s contributions and commitment to youth development in Lagos, will encourage new networks and professional capacity building.

    Apart from Hamzat, who will be leading conversations at the conference, former Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Olanrewaju Fagboun, will open the discussion on ‘Why Are We Here?’

    Read Also: Fed Govt to give 2,000 CNG-powered tricycles to youths

    Hamzat, a long-time youth development champion, would be providing ideas and opportunities for entrepreneurship and other leads to a better future for youths. He will also be sharing his wealth of experience in leadership.

    Accomplished young professionals, politicians, and leaders will also serve as panellists and will be championing advocacy for policies and initiatives that will provide young Nigerians with strategies for self-reliance.

    Among the panellists are the Commissioner for Youths and Social Development, Omobolaji Ogunlende; Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems Ms. Bisola Olusanya, Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology Tubosun Alake; Executive Secretary and CEO of Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, Dr. Rabiu Olowo; Dr Funmi Tella and Zainab Alayande.

    While the National Symposium is an invitation-only event, the public has been enjoined to be part of the discourse via online platforms provided after registration through this link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe18tQr5ZJez31BEXXipKj8dkK32FQswIfe0Bmc05c2cN5_eg/viewform?usp=sharing

  • US Institute honours Nigerian for contributions to profession

    US Institute honours Nigerian for contributions to profession

    The Project Management Institute (PMI), USA, has announced a Nigerian, Taopheek Babayeju as its Person of the Year 2024, making him the first African to receive the prestigious honour.

    Babayeju was presented with the Eric Jenett Award in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the project management profession, his technical expertise, strategic leadership, and business acumen.

    This was held at the institute’s Global Congress in Los Angeles, California.

    In his acceptance speech, he attributed his success to the community that supported him.

    “In the truest sense, no one is truly self-made. Success is a collective effort, and this award belongs to the many communities that shaped and uplifted me,” he said.

    Babayeju’s drive to create a platform for honest dialogue and sustainable solutions revolutionised the project management landscape and set new standards of excellence. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including the 2010 Most Outstanding Contribution to Project Management in Nigeria by the PMI Nigeria Chapter.

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    His contributions to the project management profession have left an indelible mark, transforming practices not just in Nigeria but across Africa. His visionary leadership first came to the fore in 2009, when he spearheaded Nigeria’s inaugural National Project Management Conference, an event that has since become a cornerstone of the industry in Nigeria.

    The honoree also announced a new initiative #Project1500, aimed at empowering 1,500 young professionals especially Africans with critical skills in Project Management, Agile, and Digital Transformation.

    “This is not just my story; it’s our story. Together, we will continue to thrive, achieve, and bequeath lasting legacies,” he said.

  • Navy lifts over 150 students with educational materials in Bayelsa

    Navy lifts over 150 students with educational materials in Bayelsa

    The Nigerian Navy in Koluama, Southern Ijaw local government area of Bayelsa state, has distributed educational materials to more than 150 students of Government Secondary School, Fishtown.

    Commanding Officer, Naval Outpost, Koluama II, Cdr Stephen Agwai, said that the initiative aimed to promote cooperation between the Navy and the civil populace.

    The items distributed were exercise books, calculators, mathematical sets and other writing materials.

    Agwai said: “Today marks a special occasion as we gather not only to celebrate education but also to underscore the importance of nurturing young minds and empowering future leaders.

    “Education is not just about classrooms and textbooks; it is about fostering curiosity, igniting passion, and opening doors of opportunities.

    “As we are all aware, education is the cornerstone of progress and development in any society.

    “It empowers individuals, transforms communities, and opens doors of opportunity that would otherwise remain closed. By investing in education, we invest in the future of our nation.

    “So, the NN and indeed NOP KOLUAMA II recognize the pivotal role that education plays in national security and sustainable development.

    “Through initiatives like today’s education rhapsody, we aim to enhance educational outcomes, promote academic excellence, and cultivate a culture of learning that transcends borders.”

    He said through the Navy’s non-kinetic line of operations and civil-military relations, the Force and indeed NOP KOLUAMA II had come with a mission to enrich the student’s learning environment and support their educational journey.

    Agwai stated: “We bring with us teaching aids, books, and writing materials that we hope will inspire you to reach for the stars and achieve your dreams.

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    “But our mission extends beyond the tangible. Today, we will also share with our students insights into a career that is close to our hearts, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and in particular the Nigerian Navy.

    “We will discuss the roles and responsibilities of the Navy in safeguarding our waters, protecting our shores, and contributing to national security.

    “More importantly, we will explore how each of you, as young Nigerians, can contribute to our nation’s prosperity and well-being.”

    The Commanding Officer said that as the Navy embarked on this education rhapsody together, let us remember that knowledge is power, and with it comes great responsibility.

    He added: “Each of you has the potential to make a difference not just in your own lives but in the lives of those around you and in the future of our great nation.

    “So, let us seize this opportunity to learn, grow, and inspire one another. Let us embrace the gift of education and let it be a beacon of hope and progress in our lives.

    “Thank you once again for welcoming us into your school community. Let us make today a stepping stone towards a brighter and more prosperous future for all.”

    On his part, the community leader, Chief Bemo Tari, commended the Nigerian Navy for the free educational material to the school, appealing to other organisations to emulate the Navy.

  • VC advises Nigerians to build bridges of love

    VC advises Nigerians to build bridges of love

    By Samson Odusina, ASEC

    Vice Chancellor of African School of Economics, the pan-African university of excellence, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, has urged Nigerians  to underplay their ethnic, religious and political differences and embrace a culture of peace and harmony while breaking the barriers of conflict that may arise among them  to make Nigeria attain its full potential.

     Adedimeji spoke on: Cultivating a Culture of Peace: Build Bridges, Break Barriers, at the university as part of the activities marking this year’s UN International Day of Peace.

    He said: “Cultivating a Culture of Peace” is this year’s Peace Day theme and it is apt and relevant because that is what the world needs most. Citing UNESCO, he described the culture of peace as “a set of values, attitudes, and behaviours that promote mutual understanding, respect and non-violent resolution of conflict.”

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    He highlighted some of the values and attitudes that Nigerians must embrace as love, patience, forgiveness, truthfulness, trustworthiness, empathy, cooperation, discipline, justice, generosity, gratitude, mutual understanding and respect for one another.

    Adedimeji , who is a Fellow of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice, said the world is undergoing turbulence with violent conflicts and their associated inhumanity ravaging many places across the world. The solutions to these problems, he said, are to work hard to unite people and communities, foster dialogue, promote mutual understanding and accept diversity.  The VC stressed the need to embrace positive mental attitude, noting that the difference between someone who sees a half-empty and a half-full bottle is attitude. He noted  that the window theory by which people seek to blame others for their woes should be replaced by the mirror theory which allows people to focus on themselves with a view to working out solutions.

    The erstwhile Director of  Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin, thereafter enjoined Nigerians to work hard and pray,  noting that there are opportunities in challenges and with difficulty there is ease if everyone is positive to embrace good values and positive attitude at all times.  The three-day event with a seminar and public lecture climaxed with a peace walk on Saturday, the International Peace Day.