By Ikenna Nwokedi
The Faculty of Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka on Wednesday, 1st November 2023 kicked off her two-day 2023 National Hybrid Conference. The conference which centered on the theme: “Education in a Period of Socio-Political and Economic Uncertainty” was held at ASUU Secretariat.
In his address, UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, stated that the theme of the conference is apt especially at a time when the nation is facing various challenges that are economic related which hampers the growth of the very important sector connected to all spheres of human endeavour.
Prof. Esimone who was ably represented by the Special Adviser to the Vice Chancellor on Academic Matters, Prof. Frederick Odibo mentioned that education is a vital key to development of a nation and if properly funded, it shows economic and socio-political growth of the country.
Esimone averred that economic instability affects the functioning of schools by low enrollment, closure of schools and monopoly of schools as seen in states that are threatened by boko haram, banditary, herdsmen and the Sit-at-home order in the South East region of the country. He noted that education in a growing economy faces poor funding which results in inadequate teaching materials, poor infrastructure, low morale, poor remuneration of teachers, motivation of teachers and even students. The scholar pointed out that there is an urgent need for Nigerian government to allocate more funds to education in line with UNESCO’s specification.
In her remarks, the Dean, Faculty of Education, Prof. Vivian Nwogbo informed that the conference provides a unique opportunity for all attendees owing to the scope and theme which is timely and apt. The Dean described education as a major transformation instrument in the global society which serves many functions such as socialization, social and cultural innovation, creating workforce, creating social solidarity and producing ideologies.
The Dean further asserted that education is a potent instrument for national development which equips young ones with the skills needed to become productive members of the society. The scholar lamented that there is a daily and intentional shying away from funding of education by the government in the face of spiralling cost of providing quality education and conducive learning environment. She therefore emphasized the need to nurture and create an enabling environment for education as no country can rise above the level of its education.
The Keynote Speaker, Prof. Titus Umoru in his remarks stated that the only way to tackle the challenges facing education in the age of uncertainty is to invest in the knowledge economy. Prof. Umoru who spoke on the topic: “Education in the Age of Uncertainty: Disruptions and Transformations” offered that Education is a very important industry which the society depends on which does not act on isolation as most countries utilize it as a tool for empowerment.
The scholar mentioned that the justification of school as the only destination for knowledge acquisition has become the subject of ongoing contestation in view of pervasive EdTech industries that create technology to facilitate learning.
The Keynote speaker noted that it will not be a surprise to witness, sooner than later, the collapse of university walls enabling education to be delivered to the doorstep of the learners. He therefore, suggested that the country needs committed teachers, motivated students, appropriate teaching and learning tools, sufficient infrastructure and efficient governance system to bring education to the desired level.
The Lead Paper Presenter, Prof. Chinyere Nwajiuba infered that a total neglect of Nigerian education in this period would in many ways endanger the prosperity of the future generation of the nation. Prof. Nwajiuba informed that the Universal Basic Education (UBE) is governments’ response to addressing the distortion in the basic education sector so as to ensure an unfettered access to education and improve the quality of its provision.
Prof. Nwajiuba revealed that with the current situation of basic education, it is likely that many young Nigerians will not attain a basic proficiency in literacy, numeracy and essential life skills. The scholar informed that Nigeria still have about 16.2 million out of School children between 6 to 15 years, which is the second largest number in the world with about 2.28 million from the South while 13.9 million is from the North.
Prof. Nwajiuba beckoned on government to invest in support programs for students while technological integration should deploy blended learning approach to ensure learning continuity in emergencies to safeguard and improve access to education in Nigeria.
The national conference concluded with award presentations to deserving individuals, goodwill messages from friends of the Faculty of Education, and a dance performance by the Africana International Troupe led by Prof. Oby Okonkwor.
The event was well-attended by faculty staff, postgraduate students, and other friends of the Faculty of Education.
