UNILORIN ‘ll foster growth of TAU, Egbewole assures

…..as Olaolu-Ali advocates decolonisation of African educational system

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has reaffirmed the University’s commitment to fostering the growth and success of Thomas Adewumi University (TAU), Oko.

In a goodwill message delivered last Wednesday (December 6, 2023) during the inaugural Distinguished Public Lecture of the University at its auditorium, Prof. Egbewole assured the authorities of TAU that the University of Ilorin would actively contribute to nurturing the rapidly advancing University towards achieving excellence.

Highlighting the collective responsibility of educational institutions, Prof. Egbewole emphasised the significance of collaboration among universities. He stated that UNILORIN takes joy in witnessing the progress of all members of KU8 Consortium as he underscored the importance of ensuring quality education and accessibility for the people of Kwara and Nigeria.

Commending TAU for initiating the distinguished lecture series, Prof. Egbewole underscored the importance of such public lectures in bridging the gap between the academia and the broader community. He noted that the symbiotic relationship between the university (gown) and the community (town) is crucial for the holistic development of education.

As the Chairman of Ku8, the Vice Chancellor said that all members of the Consortium are committed to ensuring that the insights from the lecture were extended beyond TAU.

Recognising the efforts of Prof. Francisca Oladipo, the Vice Chancellor of TAU, Prof. Egbewole commended her doggedness and commitment to the development of the fast-growing University.

In his lecture titled “Decolonizing African Education to Empower the Next Generation,” a legal icon and Professor of Law Practice, Mallam Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN, emphasised that it is imperative for African leaders, educators, traditional rulers, and other key stakeholders to collaborate in decolonising the African educational system in order to safeguard the future generations of the continent.

Mallam Ali, who is a former Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Osun State University, Osogbo, explained that the colonial education introduced to Africa predominantly focused on arts and humanities, neglecting science and technology, and was designed to serve the interests of the colonial government.

While noting that the pre-colonial educational system is still in use in Nigeria and other African countries, Mallam Ali noted that it was designed to inhibit Africans from competing with the Western world.

The legal luminary advocated teaching students in local languages, citing China’s success in using this method to produce some of the brightest minds globally.

While expressing concern on the declining interest in the teaching profession among members of the younger generations, Mallam Ali proposed that restoring glory to education requires prioritising the welfare of teachers and lecturers in Nigeria and the African continent.

 The event was graced by the founder of the University, Dr Adewumi; and a former Commissioner for Information and Culture in Kwara State, among others.