By Soliu Owoyabu, Abeokuta
The former Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Nigeria to the UNESCO, Prof. Michael Abiola Omolewa has described Education as the pillar of every society and must not be taken for granted.
Omolewa stated this on Tuesday in his Keynote Address at the National Conference of the Federal College of Education, Abeokuta with the Theme ‘Pedagogies And Policies Amidst Global Educational Challenges’ held at Kunle Filani Academic Theatre, Osiele, Abeokuta the Ogun State capital.
He also advised students to be independent after graduating from school, stressing that, education can give them what they want if taken serious while in school.
He further urged people to be always ready for challenges in life because in one way or the other they will have challenges bu they should not allow those challenges to weigh them down in their journey to success.
While highlighting the impact of Education in the Nation, he said Education plays a significant role in the society and its impact cannot be over emphasized.
“Be self-reliant when you finish school. Education is the pillar of every society and must not be taken with levity hand”.
“There are always challenges in life because there is nobody who does not have challenges. But education challenges are how to solve the problem in the society and provide solutions,” he said.
“For one thing, we know that education has proved to effective in assisting nations to develop the human resources with which to execute their national developmental programmes”.
“Education involves the acquisition of knowledge, and so it has tremendous value for individuals, empowering and aiding them in their quest for social and political mobility. Its utility for nations is equally important because it helps them to progress, and provides the human resources and skills required to move forward.
In his presentation, The Acting Provost of Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo, who was the Lead Paper Presenter of the day, Dr. Nelson Aderemi Oyewo highlighted the challenges facing educational sector in the country and agitated for an enabling environment for the teachers.
According to him “the challenges that Education is facing in this country are Learning Poverty and out of school children; the quality and quantity of teachers; challenges in teacher education; challenge of Pandemic; Insecurity and Educational challenge; Educational policies and policy implementation in Nigeria; Child right policy and Universal Basic Education (UBA) and Policy.
“Teaching profession is stylishly losing its values which the government should find solutions to it. Teaching profession should’nt be the least and the last hope of people who do not have interest in teaching.
Meanwhile, in his welcome Addresses, the College Provost, Dr. Rafiu Adekola Soyele lauded the invited guests and the organising committee of the conference.
He also enjoined the students of the institution to be resilient, focused and always be ready to face challenges.
Also in attendance are the Deputy Provost of the College, Dr. Rasaki Badaru; the representattive of the Registrar, Mr Bode Tonade; Bursar, Adenrele Alabi; Librarian, Dr. Godwin Oyewole; Deans and HODs.
Also, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ogun State, SP Omolola Odutola; the chairman of the Conference committee, Dr. Mary Oluyemisi Aina; Secretary, Oluwayemisi Shofoluwe.
Members of conference committee, Joy Onipede; Samuel Fabunmi; Adewale Sotannde; Otunuga Olarewaju; Mosunmola Amusan; Ademorin Oladebinu; Adeyinka Modupe; Christiana Dagunja; Oluremi Osinawo and Olawepo Saheed.
Others are teaching and non-teaching staff of the College and the students from different departments.
Wow!, This is wonderful.