Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede, the former Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), has urged the Nigerian government to implement a comprehensive and inclusive digital education strategy to empower the country’s youth.
At Tuesday’s 27th Annual Lecture of the Stephen Oluwole Awokoya Foundation for Science Education in Lagos, Ogunbodede spoke on the need to learn from the past to shape Nigeria’s future in digital literacy and artificial intelligence (AI).
In his lecture titled “Legacy of Learning: From Universal Primary Education to Today’s Digital Literacy and AI,” Ogunbodede pointed out the impact of the Free Universal Primary Education programme in the Western Region during the 1950s and 1960s, which contributed significantly to shaping modern education policies.
He called for equal access to digital and AI-powered education for all Nigerian students, referencing the efforts of the late Chief S.O. Awokoya, who fought for equal access to primary education.
“As we look to the future of education, we must draw inspiration from the legacy of Chief S.O. Awokoya,” Ogunbodede said. “Just as Chief Awokoya fought for equal access to primary education, we must strive to ensure that all students have equal access to the benefits of digital and AI-powered education. For Nigeria to thrive in the digital age, it must apply these lessons boldly, crafting a comprehensive and inclusive digital education strategy.”
He stressed the urgency of taking action, warning that if Nigeria does not act swiftly, it may fall further behind other nations in digital development. “We are already behind, but we can still make progress if we take decisive steps in the right direction,” he stated.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), who praised the late Awokoya’s enduring legacy.
Prof. Ayo Ogunye, the outgoing Chairman of the Board of Trustees, also called for the government to recognise and celebrate Awokoya’s contributions to the nation.
The lecture also awarded postgraduate scholarships to seven first-class graduates selected from universities across Nigeria.
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