By Jethro Ibileke
A retired Professor of Christian Religious Studies, Bishop Dapo Asaju, has called for a redesign of Nigeria’s educational curriculum to reflect the needs of present-day Nigeria.
He made the call on Monday in Okada, Edo State, while delivering the 91st birthday lecture of the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, with the title: “The crown of glory: Education as service to humanity.”
According to him, to be truly educated is to have some knowledge of everything, hence the need for a curriculum that will prioritise innovation, creativity and agriculture.
While noting that, as the world is changing, artificial intelligence is fast becoming a threat to academic genuineness, hence the need to tailor our educational curriculum to match the modern trend.
He cited examples of countries like China, Singapore, Dubai and Australia that have leveraged on education and technology to transform their respective societies.
Speaking on the negative trends in the education sector, the retired Professor noted that “secular education has corrupted academic education” even as he noted that “there is an underlying spiritual character behind every education”.
According to him, “education should produce people of integrity, holy writers”. He, however, called for incentives for lecturers to help them bring the best out of the students.
The lecturer who defined the crown as an award of honour described the establishment of the Igbinedion University as becoming a crown of glory to the Esama, even as he called on all Nigerians of means to imitate the Chief Igbinedion in all ramifications.
According to him, life is not just about acquiring wealth alone, but also about how much we impact humanity.
In his goodwill message, the Deputy Chancellor of the University and former Governor Lucky Igbinedion, who spoke for the Chancellor, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, described the lecture as one of the best in the birthday lecture series of the Esama.
Earlier in his welcome remark, the Vice Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, described Esama as a great pillar of the Nigerian education landscape.
“Igbinedion University is his most enduring legacy, a permanent testament to his love for his people and his country.
“As we celebrate the Icon today, let us also remember the pillars of his philosophy: a relentless pursuit of excellence, an unwavering integrity, a compassionate generosity and an abiding faith in God. These are the values he has lived and the values he has instilled in this institution,” Ezemonye said.
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