MOWD ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY SYMPOSIUM

Mushin and Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Watchdog, an online community platform and non-governmental organisation, in commemoration with the 2019 United Nation’s International Youth Day with the Theme “Transforming Education”, organised a symposium for the youth in Mushin Local Government and Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA.

Audience at the event

The event, which took place at Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA hall on Wednesday 7th August 2019, centred on several issues pertinent to the theme of the 2019 United Nations International Youth Day: “Transforming Education”.

In a bid to address issues around the current state of education in the country, the symposium was organised and discussions were channeled into the sub-themes – “Transforming Education, a Panacea to Sustainable Economic Development” and “Undervaluing Education; Effects and Redressals”.

KEY STATISTICS OF THE EVENT

ATTENDANCE

The event witnessed an appreciable volume of attendance. Not less than 12 panelists, comprising academics and seasoned educators moderated the event. About forty (40) representatives from various religious organizations were present.

Also present at the event were Senior Secondary School Students, numbering 230 from schools across the two Local Governments. No fewer than 150 vibrant youth representing different Community Youth Based Organizations, 85 Corps Members and Hon. Enoch O. representing Hon. Olawale Olayiwola Abdulsobur(Member,Lagos State House of Assembly Mushin II) , Local Governement Inspector NYSC Mushin and 38 other Government Officials graced the event.

OVERVIEW

The symposium was partitioned into two panel sessions. The first panel session was conducted by seasoned educators, education administrators and education enthusiasts; Mr. Olusoji Adeleye (Deputy Director of Education, Education District VI (Lagos State, Nigeria)), Mrs Agatha Amata (CEO Rave TV and Host, Inside Out TV Show), Mrs Okuniyi representing Mrs. Okelola Oludara O. (Tutor General/Permanent Secretary Education District VI (Lagos State, Nigeria)), Mr. Omotunde Saheed (Senior Tutor,Greenspring Schools, Lagos Nigeria) and Mr. Ibrahim Qudus (CEO iTEACH Hub). While deliberating on the major theme; “Transforming Education”, they analysed and proffered solutions to issues affecting education in the country.

Panelists

The second panel session which centered on Career Development, was conducted by Mr. Wale Wahab (Chairman, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (Mushin Chapter)), Amb.Dr. Oyedokun, President IIM-AFRICA, Mrs. Adebayo Bolade M. (CEO ,Grubbix), Mr. Shuaib Badmus, Immediate Past Chairman, ICAN Lagos Chapter and Council treasurer of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, Miss Oyindamola Keru (CEO, Meat District and Rahma Cooks) , Hon. Rasaq Ajala, the Executive Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA and Miss Yetunde Oyedeji (CEO, Doan Ventures).

The event also provided an opportunity for secondary school students, teachers, policy makers, community organizations and youth to debate issues affecting education, know the appropriate bodies to channel complaints to and ways of transforming education in the country.

This communique provides a summary of the symposium and an update on the next steps for the organizers.
As the symposium recognised a growing deterioration in the country’s education sector, which has equally affected career development and employability of graduates in the labour market, the panelists emphasised that leading country in the world were countries that have been blessed to successfully transfer knowledge from classrooms to industry.

A group of students @ the event

The symposium reflected on lack of education learning materials and infrastructures as part of the challenges threatening the quality of education in the country.

RECOMMENDATIONS ON TRANSFORMING EDUCATION

• Government should provide enabling environment for effective teaching and learning.
• The teaching methodology must change from teacher centred to child centred and other modern techniques should be adopted.
• 6-3-3-4 System of education should be implemented to achieve its goal.
• Graduates should be exposed to more practicals in their chosen careers to make them employable in the global competitive environment.
•Education policy must be consistent to ensure uniformed policy structure.
• Qualified personnel should be employed to oversee our educational sectors for qualitative measurement and evaluation of our teachers.
• Government must fund education adequately. Necessary infrastructures, tools, equipment and good remuneration should be provided
• Local content like the use of indigenous languages should be encouraged as a mode of communication in our schools to facilitate understanding
•Teachers must be well trained in the 21st century teaching methodologies.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

• Provide resources to support innovation and space for piloting new career development programmes and services
• Increase awareness of, and unrestricted access to career development programmes and services.
• Facilitate more career development seminars in secondary schools.

Ibrahim Adigun, the convener

This programme was packaged by the following youth volunteers within the community under the umbrella of Mushin & Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Watchdog;
Adigun Ibrahim Olaekan
Tijani Luqman Oluwadamilare
Abayomi Adebayo Olorunloye
Oredola Olusoji
Afonja AbdulKabir
Awopeju Abiodun
Babatunde Ilyas
Bello Mobolaji
Bunmi Olanrewaju
Jumoke Adebiyi
Damilola Ogunbanwo
Olaoye Omodayo
Orunsolu Fausiyat Ololade
Hakeem Salimon Olatunji
Kelani Oluwafemi
Yinusa Toheeb Orire
Alayo Kehinde
Zakariya Okeyale
Mustapha Yakub
Omowunmi Olayiwola Kudirat
Olamide Wusu Isaac
Aremo Diipo Akinsete
Ahmed OYC
Adebisi Aderonke Damilola
Roliat Folami Adeola
Yusuf Ogbara
Adigun Jamiu
Alao Akeem
Noah Dauda
Azeez Mustapha
OUR PARTNERS INCLUDE:
Grubbix Catering and Event Management
Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA
Mushin Local Government
Rave TV
Cool8ge Waters
Just Food
Mushines Publisher
Debbieryan Events
Yusluv Media
Magnificent Cinemas
Edugist
Ilupeju Today