Campus News

UNILORIN flags off adult literacy training for staff, others

The University of Ilorin has flagged off adult literacy training for some junior members of staff with literacy deficiency and other interested members of the public.

Speaking at the event held penultimate Saturday (December 14, 2024) at the University’s Institute of Education, a member of the University Governing Council, Mrs Abosede J. Olayiwola, said that the training is designed to address the literacy gap with a view to meeting the needs of the interested members of the University community and its environ.

Mrs Olayiwola, who represents the Federal Ministry of Education on the Governing Council, said, “This initiative was conceived in 2022 and supported by the 13th Governing Council. Fortunately, the Federal Ministry of Education appointed me to be part of the newly constituted 14th Governing Council and hence, the pursuit of the previous initiative, which has culminated in what we are witnessing today. The learners comprising mostly, but not limited to UNILORIN workers who have had no formal education at all, or who might have attempted the formal schooling, but could not complete it for one reason or the other. Those that will be attending the newly established Adult Literacy Centres should seize the opportunity and get themselves a formal education”.

She said that the only way the University can achieve its vision is to ensure that every single individual in the University community is assisted to be part and parcel of the process of  moving up.

  Mrs Olayiwola said, “I want to sincerely urge the management to ensure that adults and adolescents, who have never been to school and can neither read nor write and for whom basic literacy and numeracy skills can open a gate to lifelong learning and who are above school-going age but have not achieved reading, writing and numeracy competencies; young adults who left school before acquiring basic education due to factors such as conflict, pregnancy, ill-health or death of parents”, benefit from the programme.

She urged the learners to stay committed as the knowledge gained at the Centre will not only assist them in their daily lives, but also make them see the world in a different version.

In his opening remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olubunmi Abayomi Omotesho, said that “the establishment of the Adult Literacy Centre by the University of Ilorin Institute of Education under the leadership of its Director, Prof. Abbdulraheem Yusuf, is a beacon of hope, a testament to the University’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity, and a powerful tool for personal and professional growth.”

Prof. Omotesho, who was represented by the Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences, Prof. R.O. Arise, said, “In today’s rapidly evolving world, literacy is not merely the ability to read and write; it is the cornerstone of personal empowerment. It opens doors to new opportunities, fosters critical thinking, and empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of modern life.”

The Deputy Vice Chancellor noted that the establishment of the Centre recognised the value of every member of the University community, regardless of their  educational background, in fulfilling its social responsibility.

While urging all eligible staff members to embrace the opportunity the Centre is bringing as a valuable resource that can unlock their full potentials, Prof. Omotesho called for celebration of the initiative and work together to ensure its success.

Also speaking, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Suleiman Funsho Ambali, reminded the participants of the need to take advantage of the magnanimity of the University management by getting themselves educated and prepared for the tasks ahead.

Prof. Ambali urged the beneficiaries to be serious and dedicated to class attendance, adding that certificate of proficiency would be awarded to performing participants at the end of the programme.

Earlier, the Executive Director, Kwara State Mass Literacy Agency, Mr Saka Yusuf, commended the management of the University of Ilorin on the establishment of the Centre, which he said would help in lifting people out of ignorance and empowering them with necessary skills that will make them self-reliant.

He encouraged the facilitators to be dedicated, diligent and hard working so that the programme will be a success.  

   In his address, the Director of the Institute of Education, Prof. AbdulRaheem Yusuf, said that with the establishment of the Centre, the University would not only be uplifting individuals but would also enhance the collective capacity of the workforce to contribute meaningfully to the University’s mission and vision.

He commended the Governing Council Members, Mrs Olayiwola; the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, SAN; the Kwara State Commissioner for Education, Hajia Sa’adat Modibo-Kawu; the Director, Kwara State Mass Literacy Agency, Mr Saka Yusuf and other stakeholders, whose support had been instrumental in bringing the initiative to fruition.

The highlight of the programme was the presentation of writing materials to participants and commencement of classes.

Present at the programme were the Director, Centre for Distance Learning (CODL), University of Ilorin, Prof. Modina AbdulRaheem; the representative of the University Librarian, Mr Usman Salihu; the Ag. Dean, Student Affairs, Dr Alex Akanmu; the Deputy Registrar, Institute of Education, Mr Toyin Bamigboye; Dr Y. K. Tukur, and participants from various Departments and Units of the University, among others.