Emeritus Prof. Okebukola, others advocate indigenous approach to teaching, learning, Research

A renowned global educationist, Distinguished  Emeritus Professor  Peter Okebukola has advocated for concerted indigeneous approach and solution toward teaching,  learning and research in Nigeria, Africa and by extension, the World.

Emeritus Professor Okebukola made this strong call on Monday, 4th November, 2024, at the Conferece Hall, Lagos State University Centre of Excellence for Innovative and Transformative STEM Education (LASU-ACEITSE), main campus, Ojo, Lagos as the centre held a seminar and research presentation.

In his short presentation with focus on *”Ten years of CTCA:Evolution of CTCA 2.0 For Breaking Barriers To STEM Teaching and Learning”*

He urged scholars to approach teaching, learning and research with local and indegeneous outlook,  adding that it is the practice all over the World and Nigeria and Africa would do better, with such solution to scholarship.

On rankings, he advised that using the work of African scholars as reference, at least 70% would make their research visible as well as publishing such in about five reputable journals around the globe.

He ended his concise presentation by asking participants to partner and collaborate with fellow African researchers and academics to provide home-grown solutions to local challenges.

Another member of the International Scientific Advisory Board, LASU-ACEITSE, Professor Alejandro Gallard in his paper *”Contextual Mitigating Factors In Understanding the Influencing Forces Behind the Development of State-Driven Standards”* talked about the challenges of CMF, which he described retrogressive, against Federalism as well as Pro-states rights.

Professor Gallard, who is also Goizuta Distinguished Chair of Education, Georgia Southern University, USA, added that the framework, too Conservative, anti-intellectualism and economy based accountability.

“Building and Sustaining Professional Relationships”* was delivered by yet another member of ISAB, Professor Uchenna Nzewi.

She admonished young academics to build professional relationships, which would help them a great deal, especially on research works.

“To advance your academic career, you must build network. Volunteering is very key. Set goals, reach out, be punctual and always show up”, she stated.

Speaking further, she emphasised on teamwork and collaboration. she  told the participants to avoid name dropping, which is not the same thing with networking, adding that everybody in a group must contribute.

She ended by saying that Networking could assist in research grants from funding agencies.

Before the start of the paper  presentation, in his welcome address, the Director/Centre Leader, LASU-ACEITSE, Professor Rasheed Sanni, informed that the  Seminar and Research presentation were on the sideline of the 6th Statutory meeting of the International Scientific Advisory Board (ISAB), LASU-ACEITSE.

He stated that the five previous meetings were done virtually and with the physical meeting, hence the seminar cum research presentations was organised.

The well attended seminar ended on an interactive note, with questions and answers, where participants made valuable contributions.

Earlier before the seminar, the ISAB team paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor,  LASU, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM at her office, Babatunde Raji Fashola Senate Building, main campus, Ojo, Lagos. The team was led by its Chairman, Professor Juma Shabani.

Day 1 was not about courtesy visit, seminar and research presentation alone. In the evening, the Centre held a buffet/dinner for the ISAB team, the leadership of the Centre and some friends of LASU-ACEITSE at the Raddison Blu Hotel, G.R.A, Ikeja, Lagos.

It was an evening to remember as the guests were treated to sumptuous and delicious meals as well as drinks.

On Day-2, Tuesday, 5th November, 2024, the ISAB meeting took place at the Conferece Room, LASU-ACEITSE, main campus, Ojo, Lagos.

The deliberations were fruitful, with focus on how the Centre could achieve more. All the members  made valuable contributions on how the centre could move to the next level.

Before the Centre Leader reeled out the report of the Centre, the representative of the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), LASU, Professor Funsho Omobitan delivered the Vice Chancellor’s message.

She thanked the board for its  foresight as well as guidance, which have catapulted the achievements of the Centre.

She reiterated the continuous support of the University Management for the Centre and wished the board fruitful deliberations.

The Centre Leader, LASU-ACEITSE, Professor Rasheed Sanni gave a report and scorecard of the Centre since the last meeting and the Board appreciated the good work and commended him and the Centre Leadership.

The full list of the ISAB members at the meeting: Chairman, Professor Juma Shabani, Emeritus Professor Peter Okebukola, Professor Alejandro Gallard, Professor Goski Alabi, Professor Uchenna Nzewi and Professor Hortense Diallo.

Members of the leadership were on ground as observers at the highly engaging statutory meeting.

After the meeting, the Board went  on tour of some historical places in  the coastal town of Badagry, Lagos, Nigeria, before departing the country.