Government Should Rebuild Character Development – Olabisi Akindele

The Faculty of Education, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife organised her 2nd Annual Interdisciplinary Conference on Tuesday, 10th of October, 2017 at Oduduwa Hall.

The conference had in attendance the presence of Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede; Vice Chancellor of OAU, Professor B. I. Popoola, Dean of Faculty of Education, OAU, Emeritus Professor Dibu Ojerinde, Professor Oluyemisi Obilade; Vice Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education and Mrs. Olabisi Akindele; Managing Partner, BolaBisi Kinfolks Ltd, Lagos among other dignitaries.

Mrs. Olabisi who delivered the keynote note paper spoke extensively on the topic: “Education Value Re-orientation and Social Transformation”; said there is urgent need for a change in the Nigerian education sector which would bring about social transformation such as better quality of teachers, a reduction in fake result cases, the rising increase in the number of illegal institutions and the likes.

“Indeed, it is high time that all our stakeholders in education became concerned on this issue. Education as a matter of necessity must be tailored towards addressing many problems which are today preventing the country from achieving huge potentials. Problems of insurgency, union strikes, poverty and unemployment must be resolved”

Mrs. Olabisi also called for the need to reshape the nation’s character and image as she observed that moral education has been excluded from classrooms. Also stating that a quota system has been introduced for admissions, which has brought about lower standards.

“Cultism, examination malpractices, bribery and all sort are areas of damage in the lives of Nigerians. There is a need for parents and teachers to instil self-autonomy, discipline and core values that will change our attitudes in order to embrace the right values with an ultimate aim of restoring dignity in Nigeria.”

However, she admonished the government to make available all necessary facilities in education institutions and lay emphasis on character development alongside job creation.

“Government should rebuild formation of clubs and societies in elementary school, eradicate nepotism and get rid of “Africa time” in our lifestyle”.