Sofoluwe Memorial Lecture: Scholars Point Way Forward For Africa’s Education

By Cami Ezenwa

Scholars attending the yearly 10th Prof. Adetokunbo Babatunde Sofoluwe memorial lecture in Lagos have pointed the best way forward for Nigeria’s education.

They say it must be learner-centred and effectively integrate technology in the bid to remain relevant in the midst of global changes.

Those who spoke along the line include Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion University Okada in Edo, Prof.  Lawrence Ezemonye, Chairman of the Lagos branch of the alumni association, Mr Owoeye Adedej as well as the Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Prof. Aderonke Samuel.

Taking the first shot as keynote lecturer Prof. Ezemonye, said providing faculty development and support as well as employing appropriate assessment strategies were critical.

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He added that continuous innovation, collaboration and a commitment to ethical and inclusive practices could effectively prepare graduates to thrive in the dynamic future ahead.

“The journey toward future universities and future ready graduates is multi-faceted and requires a holistic approach.

“This is by incorporating the findings and recommendations outlined in this paper. Institutions can take significant steps toward equipping graduates with the knowledge, skills and adaptability needed for success in the ever-evolving world.

“Future universities are institutions that prepare students for the challenges of the future by providing innovative and interdisciplinary education”, he said.

For Adedeji, universities in Africa could not afford to lag behind, especially given the rate at which technology evolves and in view of the world steadily becoming a global village.

Adedeji stated that there was need to enlighten, highlight and also educate the younger generation on what was obtainable in the present times.

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“And that is what informed the theme of today’s lecture. What it simply means is that today’s world is technically driven and the only way to get it right was getting involved,” he said.

The chairman lauded the late vice-chancellor, on whose behalf the event was organised, noting that his legacies at the university remained evergreen.

For the Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Sofoluwe Memorial Lecture, Prof. Aderonke Samuel, the man in whose honour the event is held, actually demonstrated passion in all he did, for the university.

Samuel, of the Department of Biochemistry, noted that he showed commitment to all-round development of the university.

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“It is because of his impact on us as alumni and as students, even way back, then speaks for itself and that is the reason for this our annual anniversary.

“It was through him, 10 years ago that realised what a university should be, for the future and to be future ready and relevant.

“So, we are celebrating him here today because we believe in what he stood for, which is all round excellence”, she said