The Metropolitan Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin has said that the Church is not ashamed of making education cheap in her schools; for that is the way the Church is contributing to the society. His Grace made this know on Friday, 17th January, 2025 during the 4th Archdiocesan Education Summit held at John Paul II Hall, Seat of Wisdom Chaplaincy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Archbishop Abegunrin while reacting to suggestions that the Church should run her schools like business said the schools would be empty if the Church should be collecting a lot of money from the pupils. His Grace, however, appealed to teachers to also be ready to make sacrifices, and stop measuring their worth by the amount of money in their accounts but by the standard and achievements of their students, while the parents and alumni also should rise up to support the schools in achieving the objective of contributing to the society through education.

In spite of the Church having soft-landing for the parents, His Grace said some parents still do not want to pay at all, some insult teachers for correcting their children, hence, there is need to find a way of educating the parents as well, for them to be good role models to their children. His Grace appreciated all the Guest Speakers at the Summit (which he said is more of a workshop), the organizers and all the participants, adding that the hours spent have not been spent in vain.

Earlier, the Pastoral Secretary, V. Rev. Fr. Richard Omolade has read His Grace’s address, welcoming all to the event. In the address, the Archbishop urged that good values be pursued by all schools, since change requires formation of hearts and minds, which everyone must embrace and then teach others. “We must hold ourselves responsible, only then we can hold others accountable.”

Hon. Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology in Oyo State, Prof. Saliu Abdulwaheed Adelabu was represented at the Summit by Mr. Kayode Okesade. The Commissioner affirmed that in Nigeria, we face many challenges in the educational sector but must not lose sight of the opportunities in education. He commended the Archbishop and the Organizers for the Summit, adding that government needs partnership with organizations like the Archdiocese of Ibadan to achieve her aims and so encouraged the educators in attendance to put in their best.

The Summit, organized by the Archdiocesan Education Committee also had in attendance the Archbishop Emeritus of Ibadan, Most Rev. Dr. Felix Alaba Job; Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Oyo, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo; Prof. Emilolorun Ayelari, Chairman of the occasion; Presidents of Lay Organizations in the Church; Papers Presenters: Prof. Adenike Emeke, Rev. Fr. Dr. Felix Obialo, Prof. Ben Emunemu and Dr. Sylvester Eze; Priests and Religious from within and outside the Archdiocese; Mr Jimoh Lateef of Local Inspection of Education; Schools’ Head Teachers; Teachers and Media Personnel, just to mention a few.

In his remarks, Archbishop Emeritus of Ibadan, said he felt at home being a teacher and that for the Catholic Church, “Education is not money making project to us and for us.” His Grace admonished the teachers by saying their reward is not only in heaven but also in this world. He narrated how in the past he unknowingly met an old student he had taught in 1962 at a filling station, who directed the fuel station’s attendant to fill up His vehicle. His Grace therefore charged the schools thus: “What are the special things that your schools are known for? Please, take note of administration and management. Every school should be properly administered and must be properly managed.”

In her paper presentation on the topic: “Pope Francis’ Global Compact on Education (GCE) and African Education Pact (AEP): Today’s African Catholic Education’s Mission”, Prof. Adenike Emeke stated that GCE is a new version for education, launched in 2019 and that it calls to action and to rethink the way we approach education by prioritizing the development of the whole person and promoting a culture of encounter and mutual understanding, emphasizing on equality, inclusive, equitable and sustainable education that prepares students to become active citizens and leaders, guided by the values that promote human dignity.

According to Prof. Emeke, AEP was inspired by the GCE, which is aimed at improving education outcome. She further expatiated on some issues such as extra lesson in schools by suggesting that extra lesson be organized when there is need for it but should not be made compulsory, except for students in terminal classes. She added that some parents often call for extra lesson because they do not want to take responsibility over their children.

On unique salary structure in Catholic schools, Prof. Emeke said such era is gone and further advised the teachers to be professional enough to curb certain things in their classes.

On the topic: “Effective Administration for Quality Assurance in Catholic Schools in Nigeria,” the lecturer, Rev. Fr. Dr. Felix Obialo enjoined each school to think about the environment in taking decision, since school is important and transformative, but also has challenges. Fr. Obialo said quality influences a lot of things and so, as Catholics, we need to determine the quality in our schools. Administration, he added includes element of management, while managers are also coaches and as such, an administrator while controlling also models a kind of behavior he/she expects from others.

Administrator, the lecturer said, is a leader, who harness all the resources for quality assurance as mostly found in business production and as such, business is part of providing educational services through earning of enough money to sustain the business. He added that quality assurance is a means of preventing mistakes, hence, there is need for constant feedback through evaluation and then, improvement.

Fr. Obialo cautioned the teachers against bringing anything that is not Catholic, because village idea cannot be imposed on the Archdiocese of Ibadan. He added that the staff questionnaire distributed at the summit will help the Education Committee of the Archdiocese to have something to work on and give feedback to the Archbishop.

Prof. Ben Emunemu began his lecture on the topic: “Effective Educational Management for Economic Empowerment, Innovations and resilience for Catholic schools in a Digital Economy” by asking a question: Is education a scam? This, he based on the fact that after all the training, there is no job after graduation and if there is job, remuneration is often low.

In answering the question correctly, the lecturer said, it is not, for it depends on the quality of education given. According to him, in developed countries, the students receive impactful education but that the curriculum we have in Nigeria makes it a scam. He therefore, suggested that education be provided for the complete human relationship, be holistic in nature, starts from policy making, planning, supervision and motivation, if it is lacking in those areas.

Prof. Emunemu also encouraged that skills be taught from childhood like it is being done in other countries rather than ‘A for Apple’ that we have in Nigeria. There is need to change our curriculum as he said. The secret to development is digitalization in a positive direction, in order to move forward and that parents too, should check what their children watch on their smart phone.

On the fourth topic, “Engaging Catholic Schools in Psychologically Enhanced Programmes for Holistic Development”, Dr. Sylvester Eze submitted that the often distressed and most ignored appears to be the human mind (which is the central processing unit, the store house or in other word the brainbox for all activities).

According to him, 1 in 8 adults and 1 in 5 adolescents suffer from psychological distress (WHO, 2020, UNICEF, 2022); while 1 in 3 teachers and 1 in 2 students suffer from psychological distress based on his personal research work. Since Catholic schools are meant for human formation and not just teaching, he called for early identification of distressed students through assessment, psychoeducation and cognitive restructuring as he said the mind comes first before behavior.

There were questions and answers sessions after each lecture. Participants were also divided into ten groups to deliberate on some vital questions and their submissions presented one after the other and also submitted to the Archdiocesan Education Committee as tools to work on. Some resolutions from the workshop were also read out by Rev. Fr. Fredrick Samuel.

The Secretary of the Archdiocesan education Committee, Rev. Fr. Julius Akinyode also gave closing remarks, where he acknowledged the Chief Host, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin, other Clergy, Administrators of Schools, teaching staff, the invited guests and lecturers, media and all those that worked tirelessly for the actualization of the summit. He further urged all to take the lessons learnt home to drive positive change in our community.

This was followed by refreshment, snapping of photographs, closing prayer and final blessing by the Archbishop.

“WE ARE NOT ASHAMED OF MAKING EDUCATION CHEAP.” …ARCHBISHOP ABEGUNRIN.

Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

The Metropolitan Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin has said that the Church is not ashamed of making education cheap in her schools; for that is the way the Church is contributing to the society. His Grace made this know on Friday, 17th January, 2025 during the 4th Archdiocesan Education Summit held at John Paul II Hall, Seat of Wisdom Chaplaincy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Archbishop Abegunrin while reacting to suggestions that the Church should run her schools like business said the schools would be empty if the Church should be collecting a lot of money from the pupils. His Grace, however, appealed to teachers to also be ready to make sacrifices, and stop measuring their worth by the amount of money in their accounts but by the standard and achievements of their students, while the parents and alumni also should rise up to support the schools in achieving the objective of contributing to the society through education.

In spite of the Church having soft-landing for the parents, His Grace said some parents still do not want to pay at all, some insult teachers for correcting their children, hence, there is need to find a way of educating the parents as well, for them to be good role models to their children. His Grace appreciated all the Guest Speakers at the Summit (which he said is more of a workshop), the organizers and all the participants, adding that the hours spent have not been spent in vain.

Earlier, the Pastoral Secretary, V. Rev. Fr. Richard Omolade has read His Grace’s address, welcoming all to the event. In the address, the Archbishop urged that good values be pursued by all schools, since change requires formation of hearts and minds, which everyone must embrace and then teach others. “We must hold ourselves responsible, only then we can hold others accountable.”

Hon. Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology in Oyo State, Prof. Saliu Abdulwaheed Adelabu was represented at the Summit by Mr. Kayode Okesade. The Commissioner affirmed that in Nigeria, we face many challenges in the educational sector but must not lose sight of the opportunities in education. He commended the Archbishop and the Organizers for the Summit, adding that government needs partnership with organizations like the Archdiocese of Ibadan to achieve her aims and so encouraged the educators in attendance to put in their best.

The Summit, organized by the Archdiocesan Education Committee also had in attendance the Archbishop Emeritus of Ibadan, Most Rev. Dr. Felix Alaba Job; Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Oyo, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo; Prof. Emilolorun Ayelari, Chairman of the occasion; Presidents of Lay Organizations in the Church; Papers Presenters: Prof. Adenike Emeke, Rev. Fr. Dr. Felix Obialo, Prof. Ben Emunemu and Dr. Sylvester Eze; Priests and Religious from within and outside the Archdiocese; Mr Jimoh Lateef of Local Inspection of Education; Schools’ Head Teachers; Teachers and Media Personnel, just to mention a few.

In his remarks, Archbishop Emeritus of Ibadan, said he felt at home being a teacher and that for the Catholic Church, “Education is not money making project to us and for us.” His Grace admonished the teachers by saying their reward is not only in heaven but also in this world. He narrated how in the past he unknowingly met an old student he had taught in 1962 at a filling station, who directed the fuel station’s attendant to fill up His vehicle. His Grace therefore charged the schools thus: “What are the special things that your schools are known for? Please, take note of administration and management. Every school should be properly administered and must be properly managed.”

In her paper presentation on the topic: “Pope Francis’ Global Compact on Education (GCE) and African Education Pact (AEP): Today’s African Catholic Education’s Mission”, Prof. Adenike Emeke stated that GCE is a new version for education, launched in 2019 and that it calls to action and to rethink the way we approach education by prioritizing the development of the whole person and promoting a culture of encounter and mutual understanding, emphasizing on equality, inclusive, equitable and sustainable education that prepares students to become active citizens and leaders, guided by the values that promote human dignity.

According to Prof. Emeke, AEP was inspired by the GCE, which is aimed at improving education outcome. She further expatiated on some issues such as extra lesson in schools by suggesting that extra lesson be organized when there is need for it but should not be made compulsory, except for students in terminal classes. She added that some parents often call for extra lesson because they do not want to take responsibility over their children.

On unique salary structure in Catholic schools, Prof. Emeke said such era is gone and further advised the teachers to be professional enough to curb certain things in their classes.

On the topic: “Effective Administration for Quality Assurance in Catholic Schools in Nigeria,” the lecturer, Rev. Fr. Dr. Felix Obialo enjoined each school to think about the environment in taking decision, since school is important and transformative, but also has challenges. Fr. Obialo said quality influences a lot of things and so, as Catholics, we need to determine the quality in our schools. Administration, he added includes element of management, while managers are also coaches and as such, an administrator while controlling also models a kind of behavior he/she expects from others.

Administrator, the lecturer said, is a leader, who harness all the resources for quality assurance as mostly found in business production and as such, business is part of providing educational services through earning of enough money to sustain the business. He added that quality assurance is a means of preventing mistakes, hence, there is need for constant feedback through evaluation and then, improvement.

Fr. Obialo cautioned the teachers against bringing anything that is not Catholic, because village idea cannot be imposed on the Archdiocese of Ibadan. He added that the staff questionnaire distributed at the summit will help the Education Committee of the Archdiocese to have something to work on and give feedback to the Archbishop.

Prof. Ben Emunemu began his lecture on the topic: “Effective Educational Management for Economic Empowerment, Innovations and resilience for Catholic schools in a Digital Economy” by asking a question: Is education a scam? This, he based on the fact that after all the training, there is no job after graduation and if there is job, remuneration is often low.

In answering the question correctly, the lecturer said, it is not, for it depends on the quality of education given. According to him, in developed countries, the students receive impactful education but that the curriculum we have in Nigeria makes it a scam. He therefore, suggested that education be provided for the complete human relationship, be holistic in nature, starts from policy making, planning, supervision and motivation, if it is lacking in those areas.

Prof. Emunemu also encouraged that skills be taught from childhood like it is being done in other countries rather than ‘A for Apple’ that we have in Nigeria. There is need to change our curriculum as he said. The secret to development is digitalization in a positive direction, in order to move forward and that parents too, should check what their children watch on their smart phone.

On the fourth topic, “Engaging Catholic Schools in Psychologically Enhanced Programmes for Holistic Development”, Dr. Sylvester Eze submitted that the often distressed and most ignored appears to be the human mind (which is the central processing unit, the store house or in other word the brainbox for all activities).

According to him, 1 in 8 adults and 1 in 5 adolescents suffer from psychological distress (WHO, 2020, UNICEF, 2022); while 1 in 3 teachers and 1 in 2 students suffer from psychological distress based on his personal research work. Since Catholic schools are meant for human formation and not just teaching, he called for early identification of distressed students through assessment, psychoeducation and cognitive restructuring as he said the mind comes first before behavior.

There were questions and answers sessions after each lecture. Participants were also divided into ten groups to deliberate on some vital questions and their submissions presented one after the other and also submitted to the Archdiocesan Education Committee as tools to work on. Some resolutions from the workshop were also read out by Rev. Fr. Fredrick Samuel.

The Secretary of the Archdiocesan education Committee, Rev. Fr. Julius Akinyode also gave closing remarks, where he acknowledged the Chief Host, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin, other Clergy, Administrators of Schools, teaching staff, the invited guests and lecturers, media and all those that worked tirelessly for the actualization of the summit. He further urged all to take the lessons learnt home to drive positive change in our community.

This was followed by refreshment, snapping of photographs, closing prayer and final blessing by the Archbishop.