……Seeks Integration of Formal and Informal Education in Nigeria.
The Orangun of Oke-Ila in Osun state, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, has called on government at all levels to be committed to boosting the development of education sector with more investment.
Oba Abolarin, gave this charge during the 14th convocation lecture of Achivers University, Owo, Ondo state, with the theme :”Modelling quality Education for the Reach of the Vulnerable”
The monarch also charged government to also pay more attention to focused services to vulnerable populations and improve infrastructure and teacher quality to bridge the educational divide for vulnerable populations.
He commended the founder of the Achievers University, Dr Bode Ayorinde for massive investment on education through the university and for maintaining standard.
According to the Royal father, formal and informal system of education should be integrated into formal education system to increase enrollment in all parts of country in order to achieve equitable and quality education for the most vulnerable populations.
While highlighting the role of universities in this regard, Oba Adedokun, a legal luminary, noted that tertiary institutions can achieve this through conducting research into effective education models, partnering with local and global organisations, training the next generation of educators and policymakers, and integrating service-learning projects.
He further suggested that universities could act as catalysts for policy advocacy and lead efforts to use technology to enhance education for vulnerable populations by developing open-access digital platforms that provide free learning materials to marginalised learners.
The traditional ruler also advocated for piloting AI-based tools for personalised learning and assessment in underserved communities.
While observing that challenges vary by region, Oba Adedokun pointed out that common themes such as poverty, teacher shortages, and infrastructure deficits underscore the need for global, regional, and local solutions.
He called for a multi-stakeholder approach that includes governments, universities, international organisations, the private sector, and local communities to address these systemic barriers.
Oba Adedokun also called on the global community, through agencies like the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), UNICEF, and Education Cannot Wait, to address these disparities through policy advocacy, funding, and capacity building. He further urged the government to increase investment in education by allocating more resources to the sector.
He said “community engagement is key to success as engagement of local leaders and communities would address cultural barriers, such as child marriage, that hinder education in some regions.
“It is imperative to leverage on technology extensively. Leveraging technology implies extensive use if technology to provide remote learning opportunities in regions with limited access to schools”
The monarch identified myriads of economic burdens, wars, inadequate human and material resources responsible for the increasing burden of vulnerable populations and achievement of the SDG4.
“Nigeria, as Africa’s largest economy, has the potential to serve as a model for addressing education vulnerabilities, but it must prioritize investments in infrastructure, teacher training, and inclusive education policies.
“A unified effort involving governments, educational institutions, especially Universities, international organizations, private sector actors, and local communities is essential to achieving quality education.
“By addressing systemic barriers and leveraging innovative approaches, the global vision of equitable and quality education can be realized for even the most vulnerable populations.
“Universities, importantly, have a moral and pragmatic responsibility to bridge the educational divide for vulnerable populations.
“Through research, partnerships, capacity building, and advocacy, they can drive systemic change, ensuring that education becomes not just a privilege but a universal right,” the monarch said.
In an address, the Pro-Chancellor of Achievers University, Owo, Dr Bode Ayorinde, pointed out that 14th Convocation Lecture remains a milestone in the history of the university, noting that it was the first time a traditional ruler- lawyer had delivered the lecture.
Dr Ayorinde, said the institution had contributed immensely to the growth of the nation by offering scholarships to vulnerable and under-privileged students, in order to boost education rate in the society.
He said the university focuses on ensuring quality education to change the narrative in the country.
The lecture was attended by many dignitaries including the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye.
