VC says ABU Faculty of Education’s contributions to Nigeria’s development remain indelible, multifaceted
The Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Kabiru Bala, has described as indelible and multifaceted the contributions of the institution’s Faculty of Education to Nigeria’s educational development.
Speaking at the Diamond Jubilee celebration organised to mark the 60th anniversary of the Faculty, the Vice-Chancellor also said the event afforded the Faculty the opportunity to showcase its numerous and far reaching contributions to the achievements of the overall objectives of establishing the University.
Prof Bala was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof Raymond B Bako, who was the chairman of the occasion.
The event took place today (Saturday, 15th February, 2025) at the Auditorium of the College of Postgraduate Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Prof. Bala, who expressed gratitude to be part of the event, stressed that the occasion was indeed historic to both the Faculty and the University at large.
The Vice-Chancellor underscored the Faculty and University’s instrumentality in many breakthroughs in education in Northern Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.
He congratulated those who were presented with various awards at the event and charged them to work harder to vindicate the Faculty for finding them worthy for the award.
In a remark, the Dean, Faculty of Education, Prof. H.I Bayero, disclosed that over the past five decades, the Faculty has produced outstanding alumni who have made indelible contributions to the development of the nation.
Prof. Bayero noted that from pioneering educators and policymakers to transformative researchers and community leaders, the graduates of the Faculty have consistently demonstrated excellence, integrity and commitment to nation building.
The Dean identified Senators Ibrahim Shekarau and Umaru Tanko Almakura, who served as Executive Governors of Kano and Nasarawa States respectively and many others as notable alumni of the Faculty.
Prof. Bayero explained that these individuals and countless others are a testament to the enduring legacy of the Faculty.
The Dean called on stakeholders, government agencies, private sector partners, philanthropic organizations and alumni to join hands in the noble cause of improving the infrastructure of the Faculty, providing grants and scholarships as well as fostering academic partnerships.
Prof. Bayero added that their contributions will not only lift the Faculty, but also empower the next generation of educators, leaders and change makers who will shape the future of Nigeria.
In a Diamond Jubilee lecture at the occasion, a professor of science education, Prof. A.A.M Shaibu, explained that the Federal Government clearly stipulated that education in Nigeria is an instrument par excellence for development.
In the lecture, entitled ‘Contributiins of Faculty of Education to Nigeria’s Development from 1968 to Date’, Prof. Shaibu identified human capital development, economic growth, improved health, social mobility, research and innovation as areas that education operates as a prime mover for development.
The scholar described access to quality education for all, investing appropriately and adequately in education, good quality teacher training and development and curriculum reforms as some of the challenges associated with positioning education for national development.
He said the foundation of the Faculty of Education was in existence even before the establishment of the University.
According to him, the Faculty was established in 1968, then with just two Departments of Education and Library Science as it was then called.
Prof. Shaibu said the Faculty has contributed to national development in terms of provision and extension of qualitative education and advancing qualitative research-based activities.
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Public Affairs Directorate,
Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
(SGB)
Saturday 15th February, 2025
