4TH ARCHDIOCESE OF IBADAN EDUCATION SUMMIT

THEME: GLOBAL COMPACT ON EDUCATION IN THE NIGERIAN CONTEXT

Date: Friday, 17th January, 2025

Venue: John Paul II Hall, Seat of Wisdom Chaplaincy, U.I. Ibadan

RESOLUTIONS

Having reflected and brainstormed on the theme of the 4th Archdiocese of Ibadan Education Summit: GLOBAL COMPACT ON EDUCATION IN THE NIGERIA CONTEXT we, the participants raised critical questions stemming from the theme and the papers presented, and these prompted robust discussions at the workshop. Below are the resolutions from the reports:

 

  1. The primary purpose for which Catholic Schools exist is the formation of the human person, not profit making.
  2. In appointment of School Administrators and Managers for Catholic Schools in Ibadan, the Church should prioritize competence and efficiency for delivery of quality education.
  3. Cordial but responsible relationship should be fostered between pupils/students and their teachers. Parents and School Managements must also be ready to work for common goals.
  4. Education in all Catholic Schools should be impactful as to focus on changing the behaviour of pupils/students in order to make them accountable to contribute meaningfully to the society.
  5. In every Catholic School in Ibadan, irrespective of age or grade, slow learners should be given more attention, so that they are not cut off from the rest of the class or made to feel unwanted.
  6. Teachers should show true professionalism at work, and Management should ensure that no teacher is overworked beyond the recommended schedule for every week.
  7. In all Catholic Schools, teachers are role models to their pupils/students. This should be emphasized regularly.
  8. Management of Catholic Schools in Ibadan should ensure, that modern learning tools (e.g. projectors, internet facilities, basic science laboratories etc) are made readily available to pupils/students. It is also imperative that our schools embrace contemporary information and communication technology, including AI. All these tools should be utilized responsibly.
  9. Constant power supply should be provided especially through alternative means.
  10. Children with special needs are not aliens. Therefore, they should be included in our education apostolate. A conducive environment should be provided for them, and ONLY teachers with specialty and skills should be made available to them. It is imperative to make students with special needs enjoy inclusiveness, and be loved as persons with human dignity.
  11. In all Catholic Schools, the educational needs of pupils/students should be met, and welfare of staff be taken into consideration. The beliefs and values of the Catholic Church must be upheld by all staff including zero tolerance for examination malpractice.
  12. Today, Catholic Schools should engage Corporate establishments more profitably in order to benefit from their programme on Corporate-Social Responsibility.
  13. Training and retraining of teachers is a MUST for all Catholic Schools. This is also a form of motivation.
  14. Catholic Schools should continue to provide integral education that will inspire their pupils/students to derive good dividends and convince them that education contributes to the flourishing of life, and is not a scam.
  15. Parents Forum should engage with their schools peacefully and be more concerned with contributing to the academic development of their children, and not bring disruptive politics to schools.
  16. Managers of Schools should as a matter of importance prioritize the mental health of all their staff especially classroom teachers. They should be willing to correct, support and assist them when need be.
  17. Finally, School Administrators at all levels are urged to be accessible to teachers and parents, and that recommendation be required from pupil/students and teachers who wish to transfer from any school to Catholic Schools.

 

Conclusion

The Church in Ibadan is committed to the task of education and implementation of the Global Compact Initiative of Pope Francis. To properly achieve this, all Stakeholders must work in unison to promote responsible-quality education that is fostered by conviction, dedication, structure, inclusiveness, equity and desire for nation building.

Signed:

Rev. Fr. Julius A. Akinyode

Secretary, Education Committee, Archdiocese of Ibadan

27th January, 2025