Education
Don decries intellectual misplacement in governance, deprivation
***Advocates meritocracy, social justice in polity
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
A Clinical Literary and Publishing Studies lecturer DR Abba Abba, has decried the intellectual misplacement in governance with “The Lesser Read Leading The Better Read” and stunting the much desired advancement and growth of the country.
Abba stated this at the 2nd Annual Coloqium of the Federal University Lokoja organised in honour of Prof. Olu Obafemi, a Professor of English and Dramatic Literature who retired from the University of Ilorin in 2020.
Dr Abba of the Department of English and Literary Studies at FUL said the 2nd Annual Coloqium is themed, “Olu Obafemi’s Post-Feminist Vision: Drama, Materialist Aesthetics, and the Nigerian Woman.”
He said that retrieval efforts at restoring the near lost relationship between the Town and the Gown, which had been the foundation on which tertiary institutions were built jow poses a huge challenge.
Abba revealed that the once robust relationship, dating back to monasteries as far back as in the 14th century when Louis XIV had to shut down monasteries believing that they were the causes of the uprisings within the kingdom, has nosedived.
“Today, under the Military, we saw that happened to ASUU. We saw what happened to many academics who had to enlighten society on what we call “invidious and insidious subversion” by mobilizing students intellectually to engage.
He said that rather than constructively engaging the leadership, “we get into the mundane part of sex and sexuality.
“We even legitimize such crimes that have now become a culture about cross-gender. We will try to legitimize it with modernity. And in all that, captured in the works of Prof. Olu Obafemi”, he pointed out.
On the advocacy for the rejuvenation of the female gender, he said, “I do not agree that our women at any time have been marginalized. I imagine that they went to sleep and suddenly got up.
“And as you are getting to the eve of the dismissal of that notion that the woman’s place is in the other room, the reminder of what our women are, should be and ought to be, become rife.”
In his welcome address, Vice Chancellor of FUL, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi described Prof. Obafemi as somebody the Academia in Kogi and beyond were proud of.
Prof. Akinwumi said, “He is somebody that we are proud of in this state and we are proud of in this country. The University deserves giants in the academic world on whose shoulders to stand and attract more development to the institution.
“We still need other people, giants that we can stand on their shoulders to advertise the University and standing on their shoulders not only to advertise ourselves but also to attract many things to the university”, he explained.
Speaking on Prof. Obafemi’s literary works, Prof. Gbemisola of the Department of English, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, in his presentation titled: “Killing Two Stones With One Bird: Reflection on Class and Gender Ideation in Olu Obafemi’s Drama.
He said that due to the ideological consciousness of Prof. Obafemi, his plays deploy African traditions of story telling, music, dance and drama while his Marxist ideological consciousness inspires a sense of fairness and social justice that encompasses emancipation of the oppressed, regardless of gender and social Class.
Prof. Mabel Evwoerhoma, a Professors of Theatre Arts at the University of Abuja also made a presentation on Prof. olu Obafemi’s Drama on “Post-Feminist Vision, Materialist Aesthetics And the Nigerian Woman.
Abel Joseph, a professor of African and Post-colonial Literary Studies at the Federal University, Lokoja also presented, “Women And Power Beyond The Rhetoric Of Difference In Olu Obafemi’s Naira Has No Gender, And Near And Distant Cries.
Prof. Obafemi a playwright, poet, biographer, literary and theatre scholar, novelist, an author, member of Nigeria Academy of Letters and Nigerian Media Merit Award among many other accomplishments has several works on Feminism.
In the citation of Prof. Obafemi read by Prof. M.S. Audu, the retired professor had made so much contributions to the growth and development of English and Literature in Nigeria and impacted the global literary community. (Ends)
The Senate has reaffirmed its commitment to making Nigeria a beacon of educational excellence, emphasizing the critical role of education in driving national progress.
This pledge was made on Thursday during a public hearing organized by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund to discuss two bills: The Federal Polytechnic Onueke, Ezza South, Ebonyi (Establishment) Bill, 2024 and The Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri (Establishment) Bill, 2024
Representing the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Senator Titus Zam (Benue North West) highlighted the Senate’s dedication to fostering inclusive and sustainable development through education.
“Education remains a cornerstone for national progress,” Senator Zam noted. “Its accessibility to all Nigerians, irrespective of geographical or socio-economic status, is a priority for this Senate.”
He emphasized that the input of stakeholders at the hearing would underscore a shared resolve to strengthen Nigeria’s educational framework, expand opportunities for intellectual growth, and provide technical and vocational training for the nation’s youth.
Akpabio, through Senator Zam, assured Nigerians of the Senate’s dedication to legislative measures that promote equity, national growth, and prosperity.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Muntari Dandutse, explained that the Federal Polytechnic Onueke Bill aims to bolster technical and vocational education, aligning with the government’s efforts to reduce unemployment and enhance socio-economic conditions.
Similarly, Senator Kenneth Eze (Ebonyi Central), sponsor of the Federal Polytechnic Onueke Bill, emphasized that the institution would address pressing challenges in the labor market by focusing on skill-based education, ICT, and applied sciences.
“This initiative represents a paradigm shift for a nation grappling with high unemployment rates. It is a step toward advancing human capital development and securing a brighter future for Nigerian youths, particularly those in Ebonyi State,” Senator Eze said.
The Senate reiterated its commitment to legislative initiatives aimed at strengthening the education sector and creating opportunities for skill acquisition and intellectual development. By supporting these bills, the Senate seeks to position Nigeria as a global leader in education and human capital development.
The Federal Government has suspended 13 students of the Federal Government College (FGC) Enugu for six weeks following an alleged bullying incident that was widely circulated on social media.
The suspension was ordered by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who emphasized that safety and discipline are paramount in federal schools.
According to Folashade Boriowo, the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Education, the incident involved a gang assault on an SS1 day student and raised serious concerns about student welfare at FGC Enugu.
The viral video prompted the ministry to establish a disciplinary committee to investigate, leading to the temporary suspension of the students involved.
Dr. Alausa has directed the School-Based Management Committee to collaborate with security agencies to conduct a thorough probe into any possible external influences.
In addition, the government has introduced enhanced security measures at the college, with law enforcement presence and strengthened safety protocols.
As part of the response, the ministry will also provide counseling and rehabilitation services to promote a safe, positive school environment for all students involved.
The Managing Director and CEO of the Bank of Industry (BOI), Dr. Olasupo Olusi, has called for a comprehensive curriculum overhaul in Nigerian universities to better align with global trends and equip graduates with practical skills. Speaking at the 10th special convention of the Ekiti State University Alumni Association in Abuja, Dr. Olusi highlighted the urgent need to bridge the gap between theory and practical application in Nigerian higher education.
Dr. Olusi noted that while Nigeria is rich in human and natural resources, progress in technology and economic development remains slow due to universities’ focus on theoretical knowledge over hands-on training. He emphasized that significant investments in research and technical skill development are essential for positioning Nigeria as a competitive force in the global economy.
Echoing this sentiment, Ekiti State University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joseph Ayodele, called on alumni to contribute to their alma mater, emphasizing that alumni support plays a critical role in building a strong academic foundation and fostering innovative research. The institution’s Chancellor, Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, similarly urged alumni associations to prioritize initiatives that support university growth and student success.
Global President of the Ekiti State University Alumni Association, Dipo Bamisaye, stressed the need for Nigerian universities to continuously pursue excellence to remain competitive globally. Dr. Wale Jegede, Chairman of the institution’s Board of Trustees, commended the state governor for his dedication to quality education, particularly through the appointment of capable academics to guide the university’s progress.
The convention also honored notable alumni who have made significant contributions to the university’s development. Among those recognized were Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, former presidential aide Mr. Kingsley Kuku, Chancellor Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, Vice-Chancellor Professor Joseph Ayodele, and BOI MD Dr. Olasupo Olusi.
Reinforcing its commitment to the institution’s advancement, the Bank of Industry recently proposed a 2.5 billion Naira development fund to Ekiti State University, underscoring its dedication to driving growth in Nigeria’s educational sector.
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