Samuel Akintunde, the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo, has urged the federal and state governments to intensify their efforts to upgrade teaching resources in tertiary institutions across Nigeria. He believes this initiative will significantly enhance the standard of education in the country.
Akintunde made this call during a press conference on Monday, which marked the beginning of the university’s 60th Founders’ Day celebration. During this event, the university also conferred the Award of Excellence on its Distinguished Alumni. Akintunde addressed the misconception that the standard of education in Nigeria is declining. He countered this view by highlighting that countries like the UK actively seek Nigerian teachers, which indicates the high quality of Nigerian education.
“If truly the standard of education in Nigeria is going down, other countries, like the UK, would not be looking for Nigerians to come and teach in their country,” Akintunde stated emphatically.
Akintunde expressed his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his role in revalidating the upgrade of the former College of Education to a University of Education. This significant change led to the approval of 25 new degree programs by the National Universities Commission (NUC), allowing the university to start offering these programs in the 2023/2024 academic year. He thanked several key contributors to this achievement, including the Osemawe-in-Council, the people of Ondo Kingdom, the university’s staff and students, and several unions, namely COEASU, SSUCOEN, NASU, and NACEATON, who all worked tirelessly to support the upgrade.
During his speech, Akintunde outlined the events planned for the 60th Founders’ Day celebration. He mentioned that on Tuesday, May 21st, 2024, there would be a commissioning of new buildings and the naming of some university roads. These activities are part of the university’s ongoing efforts to improve its infrastructure and celebrate its milestones.
Festus Oyebade, the National President of the Adeyemi Alumni Association, also spoke at the event. He emphasized the importance of these celebrations in recognizing the university’s achievements and contributions to education in Nigeria.
Akintunde’s call for upgrading teaching facilities comes at a crucial time. Nigeria is striving to enhance its educational standards to produce graduates who are competitive on a global scale. By investing in better teaching resources, the country can ensure that its educational institutions provide high-quality education that meets international standards. This investment will help produce skilled professionals who can contribute to the nation’s development and success on the global stage.
