April 1, 2024
The founder of Afe Babalola University in Ado-Ekiti, ABUAD, Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, has expressed concern about the quality of teaching and learning, research, and community service in higher institutions in the country.
Chief Babalola emphasized that a teacher must be a master of the subject they teach and should have a genuine interest or passion for it.
He made the remarks at the 2024 certificate course on Modern Teaching Methods and Pedagogy, Faculty Advancement and Success Training Service, held at the Alfa Belgore Hall, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Chief Babalola stressed that teachers must actively engage in research and community service while also ensuring that their teaching methods are dynamic enough to keep students engaged and attentive.
“A teacher must have a deep understanding of the subject matter, employ interactive teaching methods to facilitate learning and comprehension, and be able to effectively impart knowledge,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of teachers being candid, approachable, innovative, and encouraging students to participate in research while discouraging exam malpractices.
In her lecture on “Education for National Development: Promoting Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurial Teaching and Learning,” Prof. Olanike Adeyemi, the Pioneer Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan and Secretary to the Oyo State Government, said the primary objective of teaching is to transform knowledge, skills, competencies, values and attributes.
She underscored the significance of research in higher education’s mission and that universities should provide solutions to the world’s most challenging problems.
She recommended the adoption of innovative teaching and learning strategies to foster creativity among students.
