Character development, critical thinking skills pivotal to achieving better future of education in Nigeria – Adegbite

By BASHIR ADEFAKA

As the Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo clocks 60 this month, its Alumni Association, in collaboration with management of the university, has selected 60 awardees to be recognised at an award ceremony to mark the anniversary. Prince Mustapha Adewunmi Adegbite, fisn, National Auditor of the Alumni Association, is one of them. The Managing Director/CEO GESTOD Services Nigeria Limited, in this interview with The DEFENDER, said it feels great to be recognised by one’s Alma Mater and spoke on other matters of national importance. Excerpts:

Your Alma Mater, AFUED, is 60 this month. How does it feel as a member of the success?

As a product of AFUED’s legacy, it’s inspiring to see the institution reach such a milestone. It’s a reminder of the strong foundation it provided me and countless others, and I’m proud to be part of its success story.

To also say you are one of 60 gallants of the 60 years of existence is one achievement that is not easily plucked at the backyard. What is the secret of your selection as one alumnus to be honoured marking the celebration?

Being recognized as one of the 60 gallants is indeed an priveledge honor bestowed on me to be honored with Some of the University honorees Distinguished personality like of Ambassador Godson Echigele, HRM,OBA Aragbiji of Iragbiji land and erudite Mr Segun Adenipekun (Senior Advocate of Nigeria). I believe the secret lies in staying connected with the alma mater, contributing positively to the community, and striving for excellence in whatever endeavors I pursue. It’s a testament to the values instilled in me during my time at AFUED.

When you look back at Adeyemi, what story will you be able to tell your children and generation of teachers and students coming behind you?

Looking back at my time at Adeyemi back in 1995 as President of EDUSA, I’ll share stories of leadership, resilience, growth and the importance of education. I’ll highlight the supportive community, the mentors who shaped my journey, and the valuable lessons learned inside and outside the classroom. Most importantly, I’ll emphasize the importance of seizing opportunities, embracing challenges, and never underestimating the power of determination in achieving one’s goals.

If asked what would you want the Federal Government to do for the upliftment of the 60-year-old Alma Mater, what would you request?

For the upliftment of our alma mater, I would request increased funding for infrastructure development, modernization of facilities, and expansion of academic programs to meet evolving educational needs. Additionally, support for research initiatives, scholarships, and faculty development programs would further enhance the institution’s reputation and impact. Collaborations with industry partners and alumni networks could also provide valuable resources and opportunities for students and faculty.

If given the opportunity, what you do for the university considering that it is an institution where teachers teach teachers for the building of better Nigeria?

If given the opportunity to contribute to the university, I would focus on several key areas:

Curriculum Enhancement: I would work on updating the curriculum to ensure it remains relevant to the needs of the education sector and aligns with global best practices.
Faculty Development: Investing in professional development programs for faculty members to enhance their teaching methodologies, research capabilities, and subject matter expertise.

Infrastructure Improvement: Initiating projects to improve infrastructure, including classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and IT facilities, to create a conducive learning environment.

Student Support: Establishing him transition into the workforce.
Community Engagement: Strengthening partnerships with local communities, schools, and educational organizations to facilitate knowledge sharing, outreach programs, and collaborative projects aimed at addressing societal challenges.
By focusing on these areas, we can contribute to the university’s mission of producing well-trained educators who will play a vital role in building a better Nigeria through quality education.

When you look at the moral decadence in Nigerian society today, where mediocre and hoodlums generated slangs appear to over overridden the good language of brilliant role models of the days of the old, where do you think we got it wrong? Teachers Syllabus no longer quality based or is it the problem of teachers of the teachers or that of government?

The issue of moral decadence in Nigerian society is multifaceted and cannot be attributed to a single factor. However, there are several areas where we might have fallen short:

Educational System: The quality of education plays a significant role in shaping societal values. If the educational curriculum and teaching methodologies do not emphasize moral and ethical values, it can contribute to the erosion of these values over time.

Role of Teachers: Teachers serve as role models and influencers in the lives of their students. If teachers themselves do not uphold moral standards or prioritize character development in their teaching, it can contribute to the perpetuation of moral decay.

Parental Involvement: The role of parents in instilling moral values cannot be overstated. If parents are not actively involved in the upbringing of their children or fail to provide proper guidance and moral instruction, it can exacerbate the problem.
Media and Cultural Influences: The proliferation of mass media and popular culture can also influence societal values. If mainstream media glorifies negative behaviors or promotes materialism over morality, it can shape societal norms and values.

Government Policies and Priorities: Government policies related to education, social welfare, and cultural promotion can also impact societal values. If government priorities do not prioritize moral education or fail to address underlying social issues, it can contribute to moral decay.

Addressing moral decay requires a holistic approach that involves collaboration between educational institutions, families, communities, and policymakers. It requires a concerted effort to promote ethical values, strengthen character education, and create a supportive environment that encourages positive behaviors.

To me and you, we know that to move a society out of the woods, we need a school and good teacher. With the current situation where political system that should make it happen seem not to work, what can be done to make it work?

When political systems falter in addressing the educational needs of society, it becomes imperative for other stakeholders to step up and take action. Here are some strategies that can be implemented:

Community Engagement: Communities can come together to support local schools, provide resources, and advocate for educational reforms. Engaging parents, community leaders, and businesses in discussions about the importance of education can help generate momentum for change.

Civil Society Organizations: NGOs and civil society organizations can play a crucial role in advocating for educational reforms, providing supplementary educational services, and holding policymakers accountable for their commitments to education.

Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration between the public and private sectors can help fill gaps in educational infrastructure, resources, and expertise. Private companies can invest in educational initiatives, sponsor scholarships, or provide mentorship programs to support students and teachers.
Teacher Empowerment: Empowering teachers with the necessary training, resources, and support can significantly improve the quality of education. Investing in professional development programs, mentorship initiatives, and teacher recognition schemes can help retain and motivate talented educators.

Technology Integration: Leveraging technology can expand access to education, improve learning outcomes, and facilitate innovative teaching methods. Initiatives such as providing internet connectivity to schools, distributing digital learning materials, and implementing e-learning platforms can help bridge educational gaps.

Advocacy and Policy Reform: Citizens can engage in advocacy efforts to push for policy reforms that prioritize education, allocate sufficient funding, and address systemic issues within the educational system. Building coalitions, mobilizing grassroots movements, and leveraging media can amplify voices and pressure policymakers to take action.

While political systems may face challenges in addressing educational needs, collective action from various stakeholders can help drive positive change and ensure that every child has access to quality education.

Finally, how do you see the future of education in Nigeria vis-à-vis rising increment of school feels in both federal and state universities amidst private primary and secondary schools two-digit of million naira fees that end up in production of students that are good at bullying and crimes?

The future of education in Nigeria is at a crossroads, with both challenges and opportunities ahead. The rising increment of school fees in both federal and state universities, along with the exorbitant fees charged by private primary and secondary schools, exacerbates existing inequalities in access to quality education. This trend risks widening the gap between the privileged few who can afford these fees and the majority who are left behind.

Furthermore, the focus on high fees in some private schools may prioritize profit over quality education, leading to the production of students who excel academically but lack moral and ethical values. This can contribute to a culture of bullying and crime, as students may not receive the holistic education necessary to develop into responsible and empathetic citizens.

To address these challenges and shape a more positive future for education in Nigeria, several actions can be taken:

Policy Reforms: Government policies should prioritize education as a fundamental right and allocate sufficient funding to ensure access to quality education for all. This includes regulating school fees to prevent exorbitant charges and promoting equity in educational opportunities.

Teacher Training and Support: Investing in teacher training and support programs can improve the quality of education at all levels. Emphasizing the importance of character education and promoting values such as empathy, respect, and integrity can help cultivate a positive school culture.

Community Engagement: Engaging parents, communities, and civil society organizations in discussions about the importance of education and the role they can play in supporting schools can foster a sense of collective responsibility for education.

Promotion of Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration between the public and private sectors can help address educational challenges and expand access to quality education. This includes partnerships to improve infrastructure, provide scholarships, and implement innovative teaching methods.

Focus on Holistic Education: Emphasizing holistic education that goes beyond academic excellence to include character development, critical thinking skills, and social-emotional learning can help nurture well-rounded individuals who are equipped to navigate the challenges of the future.

By addressing these issues and prioritizing quality education for all, Nigeria can build a brighter future where every child has the opportunity to fulfill their potential and contribute positively to society.

Greet the current management and Alumni Association leadership of your university and say your message to Nigerians amidst the hot economic weather in the country.

To the current management and Alumni Association leadership of AFUED, which am part of as current National Auditor, I say salute.

Warm greetings to our University Management under the Leadership of Alumni member, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Dr Akintunde and Our Alumni President, Dr Festus Olowogboyega and other great Executives.  As we navigate through these challenging times, let us stand together in solidarity and determination to uphold the values and legacy of our alma mater. Now, more than ever, our university’s role in shaping the future of education in Nigeria is crucial. Let us continue to work tirelessly to ensure access to quality education for all, regardless of economic circumstances.

To our fellow Nigerians, in the midst of the hot economic weather in our country, let us remember the resilience and strength that define us. Together, we can weather this storm by supporting one another, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, and advocating for policies that promote economic stability and prosperity for all.