A legal luminary, Professor Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN, has advocated for ‘brain decolonization’ as a way of advancing African education to empower the next generation.
A statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com on Thursday noted that Ali said this during the maiden edition of the ‘ distinguished public lecture’ held at the Thomas Adewumi University Oko, Irepodun Local Government, Kwara state on Wednesday.
Ali, who spoke on ‘Decolonizing African Education To Empower The Next Generation’ , said the context of African education is essential to comprehend the immediate need for its decolonization, which will address the systemic challenges it faces today.
‘The tout of African education is plainly marked by the influence of erstwhile colonial powers, leaving a heritage that advances Eurocentric biases and marginalizes the long-standing indigenous knowledge system that forms an integral part of Africa’s culture tapestry’ he said.
Recall that Yusuf Olaolu Ali, who is an Ilorin-based prominent legal luminary and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, was a few days ago, appointed as a Professor of Law Practice by the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti(FUOYE), Ekiti state.
Prof Ali added that Nigerian education had been greatly impacted by the British colonial domination, African leaders should therefore according to him promote use of local languages for academic activities.
‘Rather than meeting the requirements of the native population, the British formal education system was designed to serve the interests of the colonial government. The curriculum reflected the customs and ideals of the colonizers and was frequently Eurocentric. Native languages were marginalized because English became the language of instruction.
During the colonial era, producing clerks, interpreters, and low-level administrative staff to support the colonial administration was the main objective of education. The goal of the educational system was to further the interests of the colonial authority rather than to empower the indigenous populace’ he said.
The legal icon also submitted that there is a need to decolonize our brain thoughts, way, actions, outlook and work ethics while recommending however that Africa should implement curricula revision that will reflect African viewpoints, aimed at empowering indigenous languages in education, and fostering culturally relevant pedagogy.
It is also according to him important to de-emphasize educational certificates, adding that Africa should decolonize educational assessment and evaluation.
He also called for adequate funding to support research and policies geared towards decolonization, adding that both teachers and students, ‘who are critical stakeholders in the education sector’, should be empowered.
‘Decolonizing professional development for teachers is critical, as recognizing and valuing indigenous knowledge. Furthermore, assisting teachers in incorporating technology into school is critical for modernizing the learning process.
Decolonizing educational spaces requires redesigning physical learning environments, establishing inclusive and secure spaces for marginalized groups, and fostering conversation and critical thinking in classrooms.
Promoting African-centered research methodology, forming collaborative research relationships with African scholars, and addressing ethical concerns in African education research are all critical steps towards decolonizing educational research.
Promoting student agency and voice, eliminating gender inequalities, and expanding access to high-quality education for everyone are all priorities’ he said.
Also speaking, the founder of the University, Engineer Thomas Adewunmi, lauded the contribution of the lecturer, submitting that he has set an enviable standard for future speakers at the distinguished lecture series.
The founder, who is also the Asiwaju of Oko land, added that most of the recommendations that Ali has put forward would be put to practical and good use in order to improve educational system at the institution.
In her remarks, the Vice -Chancellor of the university, Professor Francisca Oladipo, appreciated the distinguished lecturer, submitting that the event would help shore up image and reputation of the institution among its contemporaries.
L-R- Legal Luminary and Guest Speaker, Professor Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN, Founder/ Chancellor, Thomas Adewumi University, Oko, Dr. Johnson Adewumi, the Vice- Chancellor, Prof. Fransisca Oladipo and former Commissioner for Education, Kwara State, Mr. Raheem Adedoyin pictured during the first Distinguished Public Lecture by TAU , Oko , Kwara state on Wednesday.
The event was attended by academics, traditional rulers, legal practitioners, among others-Team@orientactualmags.com
Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980. Thank you
