A Professor of Law and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Charles Adekoya has advocated for review of curriculum of the Nigeria's university education, to inculcate value driven knowledge, so as to produce set of Emphatic graduates that are able to protect human rights, champion the fight against disturbing trend of corruption and kick against
debasement of the electoral process
in the country
The former Dean of Faculty of Law , OOU, who was speaking as a guest speaker during the 17th Founder's Day of Crescent University, Abeokuta, marking the 89th birthday of Judge Bola Ajibola (SAN) on Wednesday, expressed concern that most of the academic programmes in tertiary institutions lacked the required moral values which according to him has continued to worsen situation of human rights abuses and rate of corruption
"Most programmes do not focus on inculcating values in the students. Priority was not placed on value which is a core aspect of training, especially core professional ones, and which also addresses concerns of ethical dilemmas that could confront students later in life".
Adekoya speaking at the event which has its theme "Expected Roles of Universities In Entrenching Human Right and Electoral Values In Nigeria", stressed the need for the university education to focus on development of emphathy in students to appreciate the emotional needs of the society
"University education must focus on the development of empathy in students for them to appreciate the emotional needs not only for those they work for but also for the society at large", the don stressed
The speaker who expressed concern over the slow pace of administration of justice system in the country, equally made strong case for Internationalisation of curriculum in order to produce graduates that can compete globally
"it is important for universities to ensure that they internationalise their curricula in order to enhance collaborative research and mobility of their graduates. An internationalised curriculum takes the form of having global outlook, intercultural communication, and socially responsible citizenship"
" The curriculum of a university should indicate both global and local viewpoints of issues to enable students be broadminded, sensitive to other peoples’ position, culture, values, be emphatic and be able to resolve issues from a global mindset. The level of prominence placed on the said factors will indicate how a university, the programme concerned and the academic staff perceives internationalsation" , he advised
The Scholar however praised Prince Ajibola, a legal icon for promoting value driven education such as Crescent University, which makes unique considering the morally sound graduates being produced
"Part of the objectives of Crescent University, relates to offering of education guided by Islamic Principles and tenets of spirituality and moral discipline, and the consciousness of going and shunning evil deeds. The slogan of the University, “Citadel of Academic and Moral Excellence”, blends seamlessly with the stated objective, which aptly captures some of the discussions in this presentation and an indication that education in the University is value-driven. This may not be unconnected with the exemplary life of the Proprietor of this institution, His Excellency Judge Bola Ajibola, SAN, who has lived 89 years of worthy, empathic, selfless and frugal life. Indeed, His Excellency is a forthright, detribalised, a non-religious bigot and very distinguished personality who eminently qualify as a Global Citizen in every respect"
On how to entrench human rights and electoral value in the system, he stressed the need for government at all levels to create conducive atmosphere for the protection of human rights and electoral process by providing the basic infrastructure for overall development of the citizens
"An atmosphere of peace and security will help advance the electoral process and human rights in Nigeria. In a situation where politicians have values, they will not sponsor violence before, during and after elections but will follow due process by using the instrumentality of the law to redress any grievance." The Deputy Vice-Chancellor also recommended to government to deploy more resources in ensuring effective policing of lives and property amongst others
"Government has the primary duty to protect lives and property, more resources should be deployed into policing to ensure more secure livelihoods and guarantee effective security against crime and physical violence."
"Government should ensure effective implementation of universal basic education and provide at least free meal a day for the pupils to encourage enrolment and keep the pupils mentally alert for studies".
"Government should fix our infrastructure, such as roads, electricity, affordable housing programmes, etc., and equally create employment to enable the masses have access to quality lives and for the economy to rebound"
"Government at Federal and State levels should ensure the effective implementation of the laws on criminal justice administration and reform the civil justice system with the expansion and provision of proper funding of legal aid"
"Universities should embrace clinical education, introduce empathy into training and internationalise curriculum", he submitted
The Vice Chancellor of Crescent University, Prof. Ibraheem Gbajabiamila who was full of praises for the legacy of the founder at 89, said that the Institution had continued to enjoy the patronage of various State Governments who are sponsoring under graduate students on scholarship across the country
Vice Chairman of Board of Trustees for the Institution,Prince Mahruf Ajibola (SAN) extended heart-warm greetings of the celebrant while stressing the need for transparent judiciary system for people to have confident in the electoral process
High-points of the event was presentation of Bola Ajibola Community Service Awards to three distinguished Nigerians including the wife of Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Olori Adijat Matemilola, Mr. Disu Kamor and Dr.Kadijat Kehinde Kadiri who is Head of Mass Communication Department of the University of Ilorin
The Olowu, Oba(Prof) Saka Adelola Matemilola then unveiled a model for the construction of Bola Ajibola Gallery and later performed the turning of the sod of the gallery
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