The Association for Formidable Educational Development (AFED) has urged educators and schools to combine indigenous knowledge with modern innovations into learning.
This was the thrust of a two day African Education Conference, held by the association, on the theme: “Education for all: Harnessing African Wisdom and Innovation for Sustainable Development”, in Benin City.
They called for policy reform to improve learning, urging the government to give priority attention to the establishment of vocational centres in schools to enhance the future of the students.
The National President of the Association, Emmanuel Orji, stated that the future of the country rests on how well it educates and equips the youth today and in the future.
Orji also stressed that the nation must draw from the rich heritage of the traditional learning system, while embracing technological advancements and policy reforms that make education more inclusive and impactful. He said Africa had been a hub of wisdom, resilience and creativity; hence the need for incorporation of indigenous knowledge.
“We must draw from African rich heritage, while embracing technical advancement and policy reforms that make education more inclusive and impactful.
“We must work together – school owners, educators, policymakers and partners – to create a system where no child is left behind and where education should remain the strongest driver of sustainable development,” he advised.
United Nation’s Ambassador for Education, Dr. Adekunle Badmus, advised educators to inculcate skill acquisition into the curriculum.
“This is very important. You need to partner with online platforms and institutes. This is the time we need to give to our students and mentors. If we don’t give them mentors, social media will,” he said.
The wife of the former Governor of Oyo State and AFED’s national Matron, Dr. Bukola Ladoja, stressed that the government cannot do everything for its citizens, noting that it was for this reason AFED was birthed.
