Nigeria’s former Minister of Education, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili has called for immediate reform of public basic education system, in order to address what she described as depreciating standard of foundational education in the country
Ezekwesili delivering the 30th Convocation Lecture of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB) titled “Education System and Youth Development” on Saturday, also tasked the new holders of higher Degree of the University, to use the knowledge acquired in various fields of specialization to lead the crusade for the much needed reform in the public basic education
“We don’t have a functional education system these days because the education is not programmed to meet the needs of the country”, she lamented.
She expressed concern that nine out of every ten children cannot achieve proficiency in literacy at the basic education level, saying the ugly trend must be reversed by scholars and other stakeholders in the education sector, so as to lay a solid foundation for quality products that would be useful at both secondary and tertiary levels of education.
The Guest Lecturer attributed the current challenges of insecurity in the country to lack of access to functional public primary education by the children of poor parents who can’t afford the quality of the basic education being enjoyed by the children of the middle class in private schools.
The former Vice President of World Bank explained that the reform must include total review of basic education curriculum and proper funding of basic public education by the tiers of government to make qualitative education accessible to every Nigerian child, irrespective of socio-economic status of the family
According to her, “funding of public basic education by government at all levels is the most important in the education sector not tertiary education”
She also suggested that the academics in tertiary institutions should update their teaching skills and include their students in reviewing the current curriculum to reflect realities of the present needs in various fields.
The former Minister then charged the 2,823 graduates and post graduates including 16 Post Graduate Diploma holders, 215 Master’s Degree holders and 113 PhD holders to prepare themselves for global competition in highly challenging environment
She identified the need for them to have foundational skills, digital skills as well as emotional quotient to handle every challenge at work place, in addition to regular acquisition of relevant skills for them to excel in their respective fields.
Also speaking at the occasion, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is a Visitor to the University, expressed the commitment of his administration to ensuring provision of qualitative education at all levels.
Tinubu represented by Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, also asked Nigerians to have a renewed hope in his declaration of emergency in the agricultural sector, pledging to work closely with relevant stakeholders including FUNAAB and research institutions to actualize the agenda of food security in the country.
In his speech, FUNAAB Vice – Chancellor, Prof. Olusola Babatunde Kehinde equally called on the graduands to be partners in the development of their alma mater by complimenting the infrastructural development in the institution
He urged them to emulate the role played by an Alumnus of the University, Mr. Seun Onigbinde who built a Tech-Hub on the campus for students to develop their skills in Information Communication Technology (ICT), in addition to upgrading of the facilities at the institution’s main library complex.
Speaking after constituting the Convocation Ceremony on his statutory capacity, the Chancellor of the University, Obong of Calabar and the Grand Patron of Eburukutu Kingdom, His Royal Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon (Abasi – Otu V) was full for praise for the transformation of the University towards attaining world – class status, particularly the completion of the inherited capital projects by the incumbent Vice Chancellor
He listed the projects to include 200-capacity Undergraduate Students hostel, Animal Demonstration Laboratory, 300-seater Lecture Theatre with service centre equipped with Digital classrooms, two different 300-seater Theatre with auditorium each, Academic office Complex with Seminar Rooms and E-library, Post Graduate Students hostel as well as two separate hostels for the under graduate students.
The University Management used the occasion to announce the end of the tenure ditto extension of the Bursar, Mr. Chukwuwinke Ezekpeazu and the Registrar, Dr. ‘Bola Adekola who conducted his last convocation ceremony in FUNAAB since his tenure of office and one year extension will end in September.
The Vice – Chancellor extolled the sterling qualities of the two Principal Officers and commended them for a job well done since their inception of office.
Dignitaries and former Principal Officers of the University graced the Convocation Ceremony massively.
The Roll Call:
Royal Fathers.
– The Alake and Paramount Rulers of Egbaland represented by the Batun of Egbaland, Chief Kehinde Sofenwa and five (5) Alake -.In -Council High Chiefs.
– The Ataoja and Paramount Ruler of Osogbo Land, Oba Jimoh Olaonipekun Oyetunji.
– The Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba(Dr.) Kehinde Olugbenle.
– The Onimeko of Imeko, Oba Benjamin Olanite (Akanku IV).
– Gbagura Kingdom which is mourning the transition of Agura was represented by the Balogun, Chief Festus Kehinde.
-The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Saka Matemilola who along with the Paramount Ruler of Yewaland commissioned projects was represented at the occasion, among other monarchs.
Former Principal Officers and Top Notch of FUNAAB:
– Former Vice – Chancellors, Prof. Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun and Prof. Felix Kolawole Salako, as well as Former Acting Vice – Chancellor, Prof. Ololade Enikuomehin.
– Princess Bisi Shoboyejo, Pioneer Registrar
– Dr. Taofeek Salisu, Pioneer University Librarian
– Prof. Ighodaro Eromosele, former DVCA
– Prof. Toyin Arowolo, former DVCA
– Prof Chyrss Onwuka, former DVCA
– Prof. Waheed Adekojo ,former DVCA
– Prof. (Mrs.) Oluwayemisi Eromosele, former DVCA
– Dr. (Mrs.) Linda Onwuka, former Acting Registrar and former Head of Directorate of Public Relations
– Emeritus Professor (Mrs.) Oluwafunmilayo Ayoka Adebambo
– Emeritus Professor Micheal Adetunji
– Prof. Babatunde Oguntona often referred to as the “Grandfather of Nutrition in Nigeria” and his wife, Matriach Clara.
The Convocation Ceremony was also attended by Vice – Chancellors and Rectors of Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges including our own Prof. Babatunde Idowu and Prof. Akinola Akinlabi respectively.
–
