Adedokun-Shittu advocates brain-friendly learning
bulureaffirmed the of the Initiative commitment to advancing brain health through educational neuroscience research, innovative learning interventions and community engagement aimed at nurturing healthier, happier and more creative learners.
Speaking with the UNILORIN Bulletin penultimate Friday, (July 24, 2026), Prof. Adedokun-Shittu said brain health extends beyond hospitals and healthcare facilities, stressing that homes, schools and communities all have vital roles in creating environments where children can develop cognitively, emotionally and socially.
According to her, “every classroom, every home and every community can become a place where healthy brains are nurtured. The choices we make regarding nutrition, sleep, physical activity, emotional wellbeing and learning environments directly influence how children learn, think and flourish.”
She explained that BrainFarm translates neuroscience research into practical strategies that enable schools, families and communities to support children’s cognitive development, wellbeing and lifelong learning through strategic collaborations with the University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol, Mission Brain and other partners.
Prof. Adedokun-Shittu disclosed that the BrainFarm Kids Camp, funded through the University of Ilorin Senate Research Grant, and the BrainFarm Teen Camp, sponsored by the TETFund Institution-Based Research Grant, was held at Chaste Intellectual International School, Ilorin. The camps brought together researchers, educators and health professionals from the University of Ilorin, Kwara State University, UWE Bristol, the Medical University, China, Mission Brain, Research Nucleus, the Kwara State Taekwondo Association and Chaste Intellectual International School.
She said participants engaged in evidence-based brain-friendly learning activities incorporating cognitive games, computational thinking, physical activity, creativity, mindfulness, environmental awareness, healthy nutrition and social-emotional learning. The activities developed resilience, executive functioning, critical thinking, leadership, emotional regulation, digital citizenship and other future-ready skills while providing researchers with valuable insights into brain-friendly learning.
The participants also visited the paediatric wards of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital and Centre Igboro Paediatric Hospital, where empathy-building activities promoted compassion, civic responsibility and emotional intelligence.
Prof. Adedokun-Shittu explained that unlike conventional educational interventions, which focused mainly on academic performance, BrainFarm adopts a holistic approach that recognises healthy brain development as the foundation for effective learning.
Recognising parents as children’s first teachers, she said the Initiative has developed Brain-Friendly Parenting Guides promoting quality sleep, balanced nutrition, regular exercise, emotional support, healthy digital habits, reading culture, outdoor play and mindfulness.
