Stakeholders have called for bold reforms to reposition Nigeria’s education system through innovation, inclusion and sustainable learning at the 3rd International Conference of the College of Education, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU).
Speaking at the conference recently, the Secretary to the Abia State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, described education as the foundation of sustainable development, social transformation and economic prosperity. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving the sector through free and compulsory basic education, the Abia First Education Transformation Programme and the establishment of smart schools to ensure equitable access to quality education.
Dr. Emmanuel Meribole SSG, Abia State
Dr. Meribole, who chaired the event, commended the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ursula Akanwa, and the university management for providing a platform for intellectual engagement on the future of education. He described the conference theme, “Rethinking Quality Education: Innovative, Inclusive and Sustainable Learning from Early Childhood to Adulthood,” as timely, stressing that no nation can rise above the quality of its educational system.
Prof. Uche Eme Uche Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Abia state
In her remarks, Prof. Ursula Akanwa said the conference theme reflected the urgent need to re-examine educational systems in response to the social and economic realities of the 21st century. She expressed confidence that the deliberations would produce innovative ideas and practical solutions to shape the future of education.
Elder Goodluck Ubochi
Delivering the keynote lead paper, the Dean, Faculty of Educational Foundation Studies, University of Calabar, Prof. Emmanuel Etta Ekuri, advocated an integrated approach to education reform. He identified learning poverty, digital inequality, teacher shortages and fragmented policy implementation as major obstacles to quality education, proposing an Integrated Systems Framework for Quality Education Across the Lifespan (ISF-QEL) to promote inclusive, lifelong learning and improved educational outcomes.
Also presenting a lead paper, legal scholar and education expert, Prof. Nnamdi Obikeze, called for stronger government commitment to inclusive education for learners with disabilities. He said despite existing legal and policy frameworks, implementation remains weak due to inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, shortage of trained teachers, limited assistive learning materials and persistent societal stigma. He urged increased investment, improved teacher training and stronger enforcement of inclusive education policies to ensure that no learner is left behind.
Speaking virtually from Germany, Prof. Ebere Adimora advocated the transformation of Nigeria’s education system to meet 21st-century demands. She stressed the need for quality education that equips learners with critical thinking, creativity, digital competence and problem-solving skills. Prof. Adimora urged policymakers and educators to embrace innovation, strengthen curriculum delivery and promote inclusive learning that prepares students for lifelong learning and sustainable development.
In separate remarks, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche, and the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to rebuilding public education through strategic investments in infrastructure, teacher development and education technology.
Dcn. Chukwuemeka Egejuru, anipr Editor, Abia Newspapers and Publishing Corporation, Umuahia Abia state, making his remarks at the event.
The General Manager of the Abia Newspapers and Publishing Corporation, Hon. Jones Nnanna Ike, represented by Deacon Chukwuemeka Egejuru, commended the College for organising the conference, describing its theme as relevant to equipping learners with the knowledge and skills required in a rapidly changing world. He noted that education and the media remain indispensable partners in national development and urged participants to maximise the opportunities provided by the conference.
Earlier, the Dean of the College of Education, MOUAU, Prof. Rose Uzoka, said the conference provided stakeholders with an opportunity to critically examine the challenges confronting the education sector and develop practical solutions for improving quality education.
The conference also featured the presentation of Pathfinder Awards and gifts to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ursula Akanwa, and other distinguished award recipients in recognition of their contributions to educational development.
