The 77th Inaugural Lecturer of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, FUNAAB, Prof. Comfort Onifade, has called for mass orientation programmes for political aspirants at all levels on delivery of democratic dividends for the country to experience growth in all ramification.
She stated this while delivering the 77th Inaugural Lecture of the University titled, ‘Contemporary Social-Political Issues, National Development and Sustainability’, held at Oluwafemi Balogun Ceremonial Building.
The Professor of Social Studies added that leaders and members of Trade Unions should also be trained to know, not only their rights, but also their responsibilities to the nation, saying leaders should lead by example by providing leadership that eschew evil, corruption, vices, inequality and injustice.
According to her, “There is need for public enlightenment campaign and propaganda in the mass media, churches and mosques for people to eschew bitterness and violence but embrace tolerance and peaceful co-existence with one another”.
The Inaugural Lecturer, who is of the Department of Communication and General Studies, College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development (COLAMRUD) of FUNAAB stressed that government must begin to build enduring institutions that are bigger and more powerful, saying leadership must become more accountable to the people and members of the ruling class who fan the embers of hate, exploitation, ethnicity, marginalisation, and underdevelopment must be made to face the full wrath of the law.
Prof Kehinde described that lecture as an eye opener for the University, stressing that her research work has impacted positively, especially in the area of national development.
She stated further that there is the need to revive and reinforce moral values in the country, noting that this can be done by codifying these values and principles so that Nigerians, both young and old, can begin to imbibe these virtues to guide their conducts, behaviour and social relations with others.
Prof. Onifade who is also the National President, Association of Nigeria University Women, (NAWU) stated that Social Studies which was basically concerned with the cultural patterns of societies has to play a major role in carrying out the task, adding that the much-cherished values and virtues should be properly imparted to the learners, especially at the primary and secondary levels, through Social Studies education.
Prof. Onifade however, maintained that the subject should be taught at the Senior Secondary School level, which is a big gap yet to be filled, noting that Social Studies curriculum should be restructured for effective promotion of cultural values in the country.
Speaking, the Vice-Chancellor and Chaiman, FUNAAB Inaugural Lectures, Prof.Olusola Babatunde Kehinde expressed satisfaction over the delivery of the Lecture by the Lecturer, Prof. Comfort Onifade.
