The 53rd convocation lecturer at the University of Lagos, Akoka and Managing Partner Grand Central Africa, Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu has advised that there is a lot of work to do if the potential of Nigerians and Nigeria is to be realised within a generation.
He also added that in Nigeria, where the education sector has been in crises for decades, there is the need to change the picture for education or sink under population of 350m largely ignorant and dysfunctional by 2050AD.
According to him, if we must overcome, we must pass through to a new understanding and vision that is driven by a purposeful plan anchored on best practices, but cognisant of the uncertainty that pervades the world around.
The lecturer disclosed further that with approximately 1% of its population enrolled in the university system, any meaningful roadmap to reform should begin with recognising that despite its youth bulge, Nigeria is currently failing to provide the human capital needed to drive and sustain her economic growth.
“I favour the argument that the overall challenge of Education Sector Reform and the critical questions our experience in Nigeria raises is inextricably linked to transformational leadership.
“In spite of ASUU’s often-repeated insistence that online learning cannot work in Nigeria, the COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be an accelerator of many trends.”
Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu
“This alone can explain why we are still without a meaningful strategy when most of the world has long since begun the re-imaging and transformation of their educational systems in an increasingly competitive global knowledge economy, ” he said.
Giving solutions to the challenges, Mr. Mba-Uzoukwu said a refreshed vision for the university system should begin in Nigeria with a review of the National Philosophy on Education and its articulation in the institutions that drive and protect it.
” It needs to re-imagine the Nigerian Education system in the context of the intensely competitive and global 4th Industrial Revolution ensuring students from Early Childhood to Tertiary are skilled and prepared for 21st century realities.
“In spite of ASUU’s often-repeated insistence that online learning cannot work in Nigeria, the COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be an accelerator of many trends.”
He however said it should be grounded in technology, driven by innovative leaders who have rejected Mediocrity as their temple, it should be fired by the energy of the young people such as those graduating at the convocation.
“Universities looking to address the needs of their current and future students must ensure faculties are prepared for this next frontier of learning.
“And they must change at a pace on par with industry demands to ensure students are equipped to meet the present and future opportunities in our markets,” he added.
He advised that institutions must commit to innovating beyond theory because the growth and sustainability of the country depends on the ability of educators to transform learning experiences.