The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • Coalition implements earlychild learning programme

    Coalition implements earlychild learning programme

    The Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA) has commenced the implementation of Early Child Learning Advancement Programme (E-CLAP) in support of primary education in Abia.

    Coordinator of the group for the South-East, Mrs. Eunice Egbuna, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Aba.

    She said that the programme was sponsored by Sterling Bank, through its Education Support outlet, Sterling One Foundation, which engaged CSACEFA to implement the programme in Abia.

    Egbuna said that the programme designed to last for eight months, would commence at Umuola Central School, Aba.

    She said that the programme would focus on the education of children in their first three years in the primary school (Basic 1-3) with emphasis on the use of mother tongue in educating them.

    “This is with the belief that mother tongue helps to impact lasting knowledge on the children and help them to learn faster.

    “In addition, it focuses on employment of new techniques, well-tailored technology, application of non-formal education curriculum and innovative resource materials in the teaching and learning of literacy and numeracy.

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    “The programme also promotes safe space application in the teaching and learning environments as well as recourse to the rights of the learner,” Egbuna said.

    She said that the programme would be more beneficial to children in the rural areas and conflict-prone environments, who always lag behind academically for the lack of exposure and concentration.

    “Because of that, their first three years in the primary school is punctuated by a lot of struggles to adjust to new environment, which often lead to the lack of concentration and difficulty in learning.

    “This programme, therefore, aims at injecting the use of technologies, such as audio-visual materials, non-formal education curriculum and other innovations.

    According to her, the programme also aims at the injection of resource materials to sustain their interest and improve their learning ability in literacy and numeracy,” Egbuna said.

    She opined that by the end of the whole exercise, a good number of beneficiaries would have been impacted on to the level of being able to show mastery of reading and writing.

    “They will all do better in calculation within their scope in basic four to six, and to achieve all these, teachers of the early grade pupils will be trained to adapt to this new trend.

    “They will be monitored after the training to access how well or otherwise they are doing in the application of the learning, as the pupils’ learning outcome will also be monitored,” she said.

    Egbuna said that Umuola Central School, Aba, had been chosen as the pilot school and that the outcome of the project would determine its extension to other schools in Abia.

    She urged parents to support their children in learning the new learning technology and the juxtaposition of formal and non-formal curriculum in the school.

    This, she said, would help the children to develop interest in skills of their choice.

    NAN reports that an interactive session was also organised for the parents of the pupils, who commended the organisers and sponsors of the programme.

    They described it as a laudable initiative.

  • Odinkalu is Ojukwu varsity pro-chancellor

    Odinkalu is Ojukwu varsity pro-chancellor

    Governor Chukwuma Soludo has appointed Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, a former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, as Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of the Governing Council of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra State.

    Soludo’s Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime, made the disclosure in a statement on Tuesday in Awka.

    Aburime said that the new council was assembled with a focus on excellence, integrity and strategic leadership.

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    The statement said that the council would provide guidance and oversight for the continued growth and development of the state-owned university.

    Other members of the Council are: Mrs. Ifeoma Ekwueme, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Chief Christopher Ndubuisi and Igwe Oranu Chidume.

  • How Nigeria we hail thee can shape pupils’ values, by stakeholders

    How Nigeria we hail thee can shape pupils’ values, by stakeholders

    Following the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the re-adoption of the old national anthem, Nigeria We Hail Thee, stakeholders in the education space said that its lyrics are strongly-worded and capable of shaping the minds of pupils and youths to be patriotic and committed to nation-building and development. They underscored its significance towards national rebirth, re-orientation and renewal, DAMOLA KOLA-DARE reports

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, last week,  signed into law the bill to revert to the old national anthem – ‘Nigeria We Hail Thee’.  This was done to replace the current anthem with the former one adopted when the country gained  independence on October 1, 1960.

    The re-introduced anthem was written by Lillian Jean Williams in 1959 and composed by Frances Berda. It was used between 1960 and 1978 before being replaced by ‘Arise, O Compatriots,’ composed by  Benedict Odiase.

    The Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged Nigerians to familiarise themselves with the new national anthem. It has since been used at various functions and events across the nation.

    Significance of re-introduced anthem

    While it has generated mixed reactions as to whether this is what is needed at a time like this, stakeholders in the education space have stressed the significance of the  re-adopted anthem to shaping the minds, orientation and worldview of pupils and youths. They also noted that the lyrics not only have the power to make them patriotic, but also imbue them with a sense of deep patriotism and strong character needed for social transformation.

    Ogunbanjo: it’s an avenue for rebirth

    For Deputy National President, National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), Chief Adeolu Ogunbanjo, the re-adopted anthem is an avenue for rebirth and re-orientation and a veritable tool to shape the minds of young pupils to be committed to the cause of building a great nation.

    The NAPTAN chief also called for the translation of the anthem to  all Nigerian languages so that the all tribes would appreciate the meaning.

    Ogunbanjo said: “This is an avenue for  re-orientation of some sorts, particularly with the general decadence going on in the country; corruption, banditry and all that. In a way, the National Assembly is looking at the psyche of Nigerians. Corruption was not much when ‘Nigeria we hail thee’  was in use back then. But with the ‘Arise Oh Compatriots’,  there was so much corruption from one leader to the other. What the government is trying to do is to ensure a new orientation.The anthem change is a good step in the right direction. But our pupils too must now be given a new re-orientation that the old anthem has come to stay. The way to orientate our children is to build a nation, where no one is oppressed.

    The anthem should also be translated into all Nigerian languages so that all the tribes would appreciate the meaning.

    “Nigeria is one of the most corrupt countries in the world. How can you say someone is a compatriot and such a person is looting you dry?  With this new anthem, let’s  start from the schools and extend it to others. It will bring about a rebirth and perhaps reduce our tendency to be corrupt. The government should also set a good example.”

    ‘It will evoke  strong emotions and a sense of unity’

    Coordinator, Child Protection Network (CPN). Lagos State Chapter, Mrs. Ronke Oyelakin, noted that national anthems are a powerful symbol of a country’s identity and values, often  evoking  strong emotions and a sense of unity among citizens, thus by recitation and listening, children can be inspired to uphold the values in the anthem, foster a sense of patriotism and loyalty to the nation.

    Mrs. Oyelakin said it will bring everyone together, regardless of  differences and ethnicity, adding that it serves as a unifying force that reminds citizens, including the children of their shared heritage and common identity.

    She said: “The national anthem is a powerful symbol of a country’s identity and values. It often evokes strong emotions and a sense of unity among citizens and I could see that our children will be happy learning and in history, it will be that they learnt the old anthem as such a time as this.

    “It  is a symbol of unity.  The act of singing or listening to the national anthem will bring us together, regardless of our differences. It serves as a unifying force that reminds citizens, including the children of their shared heritage and common identity.

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    “By singing the national anthem, individuals express their pride in their country and show respect for its history, culture and values. This can foster a sense of patriotism and loyalty to the nation.

    “I must say that this old anthem is bringing back history. I never knew this anthem because I was born in the mid-1980s. More like a connection to history, national anthems often contain references to historical events, heroes and values that are important to the country. By singing the anthem, individuals connect with their nation’s past and feel a sense of continuity with previous generations.

    “Learning and singing the national anthem is often a part of civic education in schools. Through this process, individuals learn about the symbols and ideals of their country, which can instill a sense of patriotism from a young age.

    “By singing or listening to the anthem, children can be inspired to uphold these values in key words in the anthem.

    “Overall, the national anthem serves as a powerful symbol that can evoke feelings of pride, unity, respect, and connection to one’s country. By engaging with the anthem, individuals can develop a sense of patriotism and civic responsibility that can help foster a strong and cohesive society.”

    ‘Leaders must practise content of the anthem too’

     Lagos State Chairman of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Mr. Hassan Akintoye, said it was imperative to address the emotional disconnect that attended the singing of the national anthem in the country.

    According to him, addressing the emotional disconnect should start with leaders practising the content of the anthem.

     “It is not what we tell pupils that matter, but what they see us doing. Leaders must practise the content of the anthem too. Even the immediate old, some could not recite it or even the old. If the reality is different from what we are reciting, there won’t be connection. Majority recite it for recitation sake. It is when it reflects in our lifestyle.

    “It is not about the content now, whether the old that has become new or the immediate- new that has become old, what we need to change is the direction of leadership. However, we have started teaching the younger generation in schools.The fact is that it is when you are singing an anthem and emotionally stable that you can follow the content and that is when it would have impact. But with all citizens,singing an anthem is just a movement of their lips,there is no emotional connection. We have lost patriotism. It is not just about the statement of the anthem, but core values that the nation has chosen to promote. I learnt it when I was in primary school; it got us emotional (‘Nigeria We Hail Thee’).”

    ‘An avenue for renewed sense of patriotism’

    President, Association for Formidable Educational Development (AFED), Mr. Emmanuel Orji, said the anthem provides an avenue for renewed sense of patriotism.

    His words:”The  fact that we are learning it afresh will afford us the opportunity to take it word after word and explain the meaning. It will impact us greatly in terms of our commitment to  the nation and children who are coming up. Sense of patriotism will also be enhanced.

    “It reflects our diversity and the need for us to be united. And at times, what people watch is not the words of the leader, but the actions of the leader. If the actions of the leader tell us this is the direction we are going, it  will bind us physically, spiritually, morally and culturally and Nigerian will be strengthened. The anthem we  were singing was inherited. So, there was no time to explain to pupils word by word the meaning.”

    Sunmonu: those in govt must show leadership’

     President, Congress of University Academics(CONUA)  Dr. Niyi Sunmonu said: “The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has a  lot to do in terms of how the content of the anthem percolates to our being. The anthem on its own will not do the magic. It is the government that would make it an action thing. Certainly, the content has a lot to do on bringing us together to forge a common front and aid our progress as a nation. The anthem alone cannot do the magic. When there is a will,  government  shows leadership by demonstrating the will. The interest of young citizens should be drawn to the anthem and there should be increased awareness regarding the contents.It is good to start at that level, to look at it from a different paradigm. Of course, the wording of ‘Arise Oh Compatriots’ engender hard work. Bringing to life the wordings is crucial, not just knowing the lyrics; acting out the lyrics should be part of what agencies of government should approach. Acting out the lyrics starts with government. Children or pupils may not understand the wordings now, but action of government is important.

    “However, the government should have got a buy-in from Nigerians by allowing the passage of the bill to go through public discourse so that there would be awareness and citizens would know what the government wants to achieve by reverting to the anthem. Then, it will be part and parcel of them before it is finally passed.”

  • ‘Why school curriculum should change’

    ‘Why school curriculum should change’

    Founder of Jesus Desciples Bible College (aka Kingdom College), Ozu Abam in Arochukwu Local Government Areall, Abia State, Rev. Dr.  Emmanuel Ukoha, has called for a paradigm shift in the nation’s educational sector with an urgent review of the education curriculum.

    He said the current curriculum had become obsolete and makes youth job seekers rather than job creators. Hence the problem of unemployment.

    According to him, Nigeria’s limited success in technology and innovation was due to the over-reliance on theoretical aspect of learning, which, he said, has not been empowering graduates to explore the peculiarities of contemporary daily realities.

    Ukoha insisted that it is possible to turn Nigerian youths to creators, using his own model of education at the Kingdom College, where he is introducing a new entrepreneurial mentality to gospel preaching among young and prospective pastors.

    He said he established the institution to make preachers more self-reliant to be able to preach the gospel in truth the way the ancient apostles did without any economic or financial influence.

    He noted that he was moved by the plight of the many poor pastors who depended mostly on donations and offerings from church members for survival, to establish the college with a unique approach to training pastors.

    “In our college here, they not only study theology but also learn more of practical and technical skills like farming, building and fabrication to become more self-reliant before graduating from the college”.

    Taking reporters round the college’s farms, workshops and other facilities in Ozu Abam town, Dr. Ukoha noted that the activities vary from cultivation of all farm products to rearing of domestic animals such as cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, poultry, among others in commercial quantities.

    He disclosed that through its agricultural programmes, the college had able to produce palm oil, yam, garri, rice, beans, groundnuts, among other crops to feed the state at cheap rate in the school’s shopping mall where the products are displayed for shopping.

    In the building section, he added that students are meant to acquire such skills as surveying, architecture, building technology, mason, block moulding, and such other skills as fabrication of various machines, painting and production of paints as well as auto-mechanic.

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    “With all this knowledge, all gigantic buildings in this college, including three four-storey building hostels, a seven-floor hotel and other magnificent edifices that grace the town here were designed and constructed by our students without buying any materials. The only materials we buy are cement, rods, wire cables and roofing sheets. This is because we don’t produce them.

    “For me, this approach is meant to help preachers develop a well-rounded skill that will enable them to serve their communities in a more holistic way.

    “It also helps them understand the value of hard work, self-sufficiency, and stewardship, which are important principles in both religious and secular contexts”, he said.

    Dr. Ukoha therefore called on the governments at various levels to replicate what the college is doing by changing education curriculum to something more practical.

    “If the government will reinvest in these youths, you will see that you are not wasting your money. If it is done sincerely with this kind of programme, you will find out that most of the problems in this country will be gone for good.

    “But, the government is always spending hundreds of billions in making sure that the youths are empowered. For me, it’s like planting crops without clearing the grass. It can’t germinate. The characters are like the grass that has not been cleared. It will choke up any money invested.

    “The kind of education we have here in Nigeria cannot realise the nation’s industrial quest. The education we have here in the country is a borrowed one, mostly theoretical. It has expired. Our graduates have certificates, looking for jobs.

    “I don’t see why a university of agriculture cannot produce rice, garri and other crops in commercial quantities. I don’t see why a department of civil engineering in any university cannot take up construction of any road or building within such institution’s premises rather than hiring people from outside,” he said.

  • FCT pupils seek action on climate change

    FCT pupils seek action on climate change

    Two pupils, Olaniyi Ayomide of Great Royal Kids Academy, Abuja, and Sodique Emmanuel of Zuba Academy, have called on citizens and government at all levels to protect the environment against climate depletion.

    They spoke during a youth-led climate sensitisation workshop organised by a non – governmental organisation, Save the Children Nigeria in Zuba, a suburb in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

    The sensitisation workshop was part of activities to mark this year’s world environment week.

    The event is held annually to draw attention to environmental issues globally.

    Olaniyi and Emmanuel said poor awareness of impacts of climate change contributed to environmental challenges such as drought, erosion among others.

    Stating that improper disposal of refuse contributes to environmental challenges like erosion, blockage of drainage channels, Emmanuel recommended tree planting as part of major measures that could mitigate impact of climate change on the environment.

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    The Campaign and Policy Manager, Save the Children Nigeria, Innocent Ifedilichukwu, explained that the organisation decided to raise climate change campaigners among the youths, equipping them on what actions they should take to better preserve the environment.

    According to him, young people bear a disproportionate burden of the environmental crises the world faces today, which will impact their future.

    He maintained that through the youths, families, communities and society will be well informed of climate change impacts on the environment and begin to take actions to mitigate it.

    Ifedilichukwu said it was time the country started raising youth advocates to start influencing activities around the environment.

    He said: “We want these children to speak on issues that affect them more. Children are contributing less to some of these challenges. Climate change affects the general wellbeing of your children and that’s why we need to address it urgently.”

  • Veritas varsity students win Commonwealth Universities debating championship

    Veritas varsity students win Commonwealth Universities debating championship

    Students of Veritas University, Bwari, Abuja have won the maiden edition of the Commonwealth Universities Debating Championship held in Kigali, Rwanda.

    A statement issued in Abuja by the university’s Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications, Ben Agande, noted that the victory of the Veritas team in the championship came on the heels of many international laurels won by the institution.

    The statement said: “In February, 2024, Veritas University emerged Victorious in the African Telecommunications Union Digital Innovation Challenge in Nairobi, Kenya. The victory came with a prize money I’ll $20,000.

    “Similarly, in December 2022, Veritas University won the Pan-African Universities Debate Championship held in Nairobi, Kenya, defeating over 100 other African universities.”

    Vice – Chancellor of Veritas University, Rev. Fr. Professor Hycinth Ichoku, noted that “with this programme it is clear that our victories in the other international competitions were not flukes.

    He said: “What this means is that we are on the right track in our commitment to giving our students holistic education that will combine discipline, academic excellence, robust interpersonal skills development and the confidence to stand on the world stage to defend their knowledge. We are thrilled by this and it will certainly serve as an elixir for us to consolidate on what we have been doing and to do more. I thank the students that represented us at the world stage. It is a thing of pride for not just Veritas University but also for our country, Nigeria.

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    “As we celebrate this remarkable achievement, we keenly look forward to the pursuit of excellence in the field of research and other academic endeavours. The university remains committed to nurturing talent, fostering critical thinking skills and providing platforms for students to excel both inside and outside the classroom.”

    A statement by the Commonwealth secretariat said: “The Commonwealth Universities’ Debating Championship (CUDC) is a flagship programme initiated by Aspire Debate Rwanda in partnership with the University of Rwanda with strong support from the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Rwanda as the leading line ministry in preparation of this championship. The post-Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) engagement CUDC activities seek to bring youth, specifically university students from Commonwealth member countries together to discuss and share ideas, information and knowledge on the recommendations of the previous Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

  • Don to govt: enact laws to tackle Owambe noise pollution

    Don to govt: enact laws to tackle Owambe noise pollution

    A Professor of Analytical Chemistry, Abdulazeez Lawal, has urged federal and state governments to enact laws which will prevent noise pollution, especially on Owanbe ceremonies in the Southwest.

    Prof. Lawal during the third inaugural lecture of Fountain University Osogbo, titled: ‘The motherless world, the motherly science: An Odyssey in the atomic cosmos’, emphasised the urgent need for the enactments of environmental law, lamenting that wastes are not properly disposed.

    He said: “It’s very important for the government to enact a law on environmental pollution, especially in the Southwest, where there are ‘Owanbe’ noises almost all the time. We should tackle pollution from parties and ceremonies.

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    “There should be an environmental law on noise pollution; it’s very important. It has to be regulated. In the West, you can’t see people putting on oozing sounds all the time; they’ll tell you that you are mad if you attempt to challenge them.”

    Lawal challenged the government to take a drastic step toward enforcing the law on environmental issues.

    In his remark, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Olayinka Karim, enjoined the government to adopt Lawal’s recommendations, noting that he proffers a solution to the increasing pollution in the country.

  • ‘Prioritise school safety, security’

    ‘Prioritise school safety, security’

    The  Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), a civil society group, has urged the Federal Government to put measures and initiatives in place to ensure the safety and security of schools.

    At a media roundtable in Lagos, WARDC founder Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi stressed the need for a legal framework to establish maximum security standards for schools.

    The event was organised by WARDC  in conjunction with the United Nations Democracy Fund.

    Dr. Akiyode-Afolabi underscored  the importance of proactive measures, such as deploying Edu-guards to prevent security breaches and ensure the safety of students and teachers.

    She advised that Nigeria should activate and implement the National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools.

    The Safe Schools Declaration (SSD) outlines a set ofcommitments to strengthen the protection of education from attack and restrict the use of schools and universities for military purposes. It seeks to ensure the continuity of safe education during armed conflict. The declaration was opened for countries to endorse at the First International Conference on Safe Schools in Oslo, Norway, in May 2015 and Nigeria also adopted the declaration in May 2015.

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    Akiyode-Afolabi said private schools fared better than public ones on basic security and safety facilities provision.

    “Tertiary institutions also fare much better on provision of basic security facilities and arrangements compared to non-tertiary institutions,” she added.

    In her paper, entitled:  Effective implementation of safe schools’ policies in Nigeria, WARDC National Safe Schools Project Coordinator Jennifer Nwokedike said there was low awareness by the public, and a lack of capacity and strong network among stakeholders regarding the SSD. She insisted that Nigeria had no legal framework to realise the SSD.

    She said SSD objectives were to “increase public awareness among communities, administrators, media, and CSOs; formulate and advocate the adoption of a legally binding framework for SSD implementation; establish effective partnerships among government, policy makers, media, and CSOs on the implementation of state-costed plans for safe schools in Lagos and Bauchi states.”

  • Academia should lead national change, says don

    Academia should lead national change, says don

    Professor of  Political Science and former Secretary-General of the African Association of Political Science, Prof. Adele Jinadu, has called on the academia to be at the forefront of sustaining democracy and fostering positive change in the nation.

    Jinadu was the keynote speaker at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) School of Postgraduate Studies Masters of Diplomacy and Strategic Studies Annual Lectures Series which had as theme: Setting foreign policy content of the renewed hope agenda.

    The event held on campus in Akoka, Lagos.

    The don stressed the need for the university to take up the important role of effecting change in the nation, adding that intellectuals need to re-examine and reflect on government  policies.

    “The university is a place for nurturing cosmopolitan ideas, it  should be at the forefront of sustaining democracy, it  has an important role to change the nation. The political class should not  turn the university to its appendage, the university is a place  for thinking,” he said.

    Jinadu said youths should be given a chance in government, but, according to him, they are too materialistic.

    He said: “Our youths too are materialistic, they rush for money and opportunities, hence, the university system must also reassess itself, the political class has been able to demolish institution that should bring about public oriented individuals. The university must begin proper orientation for the future.

    “There is a decline in our domestic politics, there is a recolonisation of our country…we are in a dire situation, though all hope is not lost.

    “If our domestic politics is wrong, then we are going back to pre-1960 arrangement. We are being recolonised. Foreign policy is dependent on domestic politics and federalism seems to be failing because of ethnic sentiments. Poverty is deepening. Money is being mismanaged by politicians.”

    An international relations expert/ military strategist, Prof.Yomi Akinteye, said the country needed to review its ‘Afrocentric’ foreign policy because it was not getting benefits in return.

    “At independence, Nigeria said Africa would be the focus of her foreign policy. It was apposite for Nigeria to do that because other African nations were still under colonial rule.

    “Nigeria contributed to the eradication of apartheid based on its Afrocentricism, despite all that, African countries saw Nigeria as a threat, hence, there was review of the policy by the Ibrahim Babangida  regime, with economic diplomacy. But it still showed commitment to its Afrocentricism ideals and the countries didn’t show gratitude to Nigeria, for instance, Liberia and Angola. The nation should take a second look at its Afrocentric policy,” he said.

    On how the country can review its  foreign policy which, Akinteye stressed the need to go into meaningful partnership for increased commercial activities.

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    His words: “Countries should assist one another to boost industrialisation. They  should partner with Nigeria to build refinery and enhance trade. The country should improve its relationship with the Francophone countries. It should also ask  for some consideration,reciprocity of favours  from African countries.”

    Director, Institute of Diaspora and African Studies at UNILAG, Prof.Muyiwa Falaiye, said a  strong economy, viable military must  underline a strong and effective foreign policy.

    “Foreign policy is as old as civil societies. Nations have created foreign policies based largely on principle of reciprocity. No foreign policy can do well without a sound domestic policy, and a strong economy.

    “You must have citizens who are selflesss, have national interest at heart, we don’t have all these. We have spent much money in trying to buy respect and international recognition, what have we gained?” he asked.

    The Consul-General of India in Lagos, Amb. Chandramouli Kumar Kern, reiterated the determination of his country to partner Nigeria on economic development and technology.

    He said: “Nigeria and India have a strategic relationship. Since 1958, our relationship with Nigeria has been very strong. We are ready to partner Nigeria on technology,among others. Nigeria and India have to work together for sustainable development.”

  • ‘Equitable financing, others vital to making education accessible’

    ‘Equitable financing, others vital to making education accessible’

    Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Akoka, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, has said it is imperative  to  advance educational equity, adding that every learner deserves unfettered access to quality education.

    He said equitable financing; targeted support; data-­driven decision-­making; and neighbourhood partnerships including families and working with neighbourhood organisations can strengthen initiatives to make education accessible for all.

    The erstwhile UNILAG VC delivered a lecture entitled: “Education: vision for the future,” at a Colloquium  and book launch for the 60th birthday of  Lagos State University(LASU) Vice Chancellor Prof.  Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello,  held on campus in Ojo, Lagos.

    The event was organised in her honour by  Emmanuel Agida, the Director, Memoir of Africa and the 156th Ambassador of the Economic Community of West African Countries (ECOWAS).

    It  also featured the public presentation of  “LASU STEWARD,” written by Agida, which highlights Olatunji-Bello’s  contributions to the university and the broader academic community.

    Ogundipe  said equity depended on recogniSing and meeting the language and cultural requirements of diverse student populations,stressing that to effectively detect and address inequities, robust data collection and analysis are important.

    “It is critical to update financing arrangements to guarantee that schools in underprivileged communities have enough resources.Varied and culturally competent team: Having a teaching team that is both varied and culturally competent can help to foster a welcoming and encouraging learning environment,” he said.

    Olatunji-Bello praised Agida for his commitment and focus.

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    “I extend my appreciation to the organiser of this colloquium and author of the book, The LASU STEWARD, Emmanuel Agida, the 156th ECOWAS Youth Ambassador, for recognising me and doing this in my honour.

    “Here is a young man who has very early in life found his footing and direction, and pursuing his goal with clear-headedness and focus. Up until about a year ago, I had never met this youn man, but he made a good impression on his first visit to my office and when he proposed the idea of this book, I gave him my full support. You are indeed, a good Ambassador of young people; with people like you, there is indeed a future for this country.

    “I celebrate your tireless efforts and dedication. Your meticulous planning and attention to detail have made this event a resounding success. Your ability to bring together such a diverse group of scholars and dignitaries is a testament to your exceptional leadership and organizational skills. I say well done to you.”

    Agida thanked the VC for her support and motivation.

    He stressed the significance of recognising and celebrating exemplary leadership and the role of young people in shaping the future.

    In attendance were Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, represented by Dr. Folashade Fadere, medical director at Harvey General Hospital, former Secretary to Lagos State Government Tunji-Bello, Lagos State House of Assembly member Hon. Stella Foluke, among others.