The Chairman of the Ikorodu Division Human Resource Development Board (IDHRDB), Bashorun Babatunde Tajudeen Rotinwa, has urged that education must go beyond academic excellence to focus on students’ holistic development.
Rotinwa called for the holistic approach to education at the bi-annual Education Stakeholders’ Summit yesterday, where outstanding students, teachers, and schools were honoured for their academic excellence.
The summit, themed “Investigating the Effects of Family Structure on Child Socialisation and Emotional Well-Being,” provided a platform for educators, policymakers, and community leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue on the future of education in Ikorodu Division.
During the summit, cash prizes totalling millions of naira were awarded to the best-performing public primary and secondary schools, as well as to top students in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
The summit also recognised exemplary principals and headteachers for their leadership in advancing educational standards within the division.
Rotinwa, however, said in his keynote speech that this serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, stating that “Today, more than ever, we must focus on the holistic development of learners.”
He added that this means not only imparting academic knowledge but also nurturing critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, and a strong sense of ethics.
“Our goal must be to develop well-rounded individuals who are prepared to contribute positively to society and lead in their respective fields,” Rotinwa noted.
Rotinwa noted that in a world where the pace of change is unprecedented, education stands as the most crucial tool we possess to equip the next generation with the skills, knowledge, and values they need to thrive’.
He, however, urged all stakeholders to embrace a broader vision of learning that prepares students for the complexities of modern life.
“We must acknowledge that the landscape of education is changing rapidly. Technological advancements, shifts in societal values, and the global interconnectedness of economies are reshaping how we think about and deliver education. These changes bring both challenges and opportunities, and it is up to us, as stakeholders, to ensure that our education systems evolve in a way that benefits all learners,” he added.
Meanwhile, delivering the summit lecture, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi lamented that Western education models have eroded and robbed Nigerians of their traditional cultural and historic practices that support healthy socialisation of children.
Ogunyemi argued that this shift has negatively affected children mentally, physically, and emotionally.
He, however, urged private schools to incorporate and consult with custodians of cultural and local stories, as this will help them learn more about their route and bridge the avoidable gap between children and parents and elders.
