Yewa Education Summit: Stakeholders Push For Transformation In Regional Learning (+photos)

… Oba Olugbenle Calls For Stakeholder Commitment, Parental Responsibility

BY ABU-SATAR HAMED & PETER OLANIYAN

ILARO-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – The Yewa People Development Council (YPDC), under the auspices of the Yewa Traditional Council (YTC), convened a two-day education summit titled “Repositioning Education in Yewaland: Challenges and Prospects.”

The opening session of the 2 day event took place on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at the Raheem Oloyo International Conference Centre, Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, drawing participants from across Yewaland.

Chairman of the Yewa People Development Council, Professor Rahamon Bello, opened the summit with a warm welcome to dignitaries, including the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, Asade Agunloye IV, and other royal fathers in attendance.

In his remarks, Prof. Bello emphasized the summit’s purpose: to address the distinct educational challenges in Yewaland across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. He stressed that these challenges are different from those in other parts of Ogun State.

Prof. Bello explained that the summit would help identify educational needs in various communities and also focus on transforming the mindset of students and pupils in Yewaland toward learning and academic success.

He also commended ongoing support initiatives such as free UTME registration, made possible through the sponsorship of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), representing Ogun West Senatorial District.

Despite existing support, Prof. Bello expressed concern over the rising rate of school dropouts in the region and called for stronger parental advocacy to ensure children remain in school.

A goodwill message from the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabuwo, was delivered by Mrs. Titilolami Otesile, Zonal Education Officer, Yewa South.

Mrs. Otesile outlined the four key pillars of a sound educational system: availability of resources, a conducive learning environment, qualified teaching personnel, and a relevant curriculum.

She affirmed the Ogun State government’s commitment under Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun to educational development.

In his address, Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle described the summit as historic – the first of its kind during his 13-year reign as Paramount Ruler of Yewaland.

The royal father criticized the lack of seriousness some parents show toward their children’s education and urged political appointees, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders to take urgent and collective action.

Oba Olugbenle reiterated that education remains the strongest tool for empowerment, noting with concern that many children in Yewaland lack a solid academic foundation.

He called on religious leaders to use their platforms to promote education, and cited Barr. Abraham Babatunde Ogunsola, Chairman of Yewa South, as a model for local government engagement in educational reform.

The keynote speech, titled “A Critical Analysis of Education and Its Implications for the Socio-Economic Development of Yewaland,” was delivered by Prof. Taiwo Edun of the Faculty of Education, Olabisi Onabanjo University. His citation was read by Dr. (Mrs.) Elizabeth Ajibade.

Prof. Edun provided an insightful overview of education from traditional systems to formal learning structures. He noted that in many rural areas, teachers often leave their posts early due to transportation difficulties.

To address this, he recommended building suitable accommodation for teachers in rural communities to encourage residency and enhance commitment.

He also raised alarm over the lack of perimeter fencing in many schools, which affects both discipline and safety.

Prof. Edun highlighted that Yewa (Egbado) College is the only fully fenced public school in Ilaro. He urged community groups like the Recreation Club, Ilaro, to support school fencing projects and appealed to traditional rulers to adopt schools as community assets for transformation.

The day concluded with a vote of thanks from Prof. Tope Popoola, Coordinator of the Yewa Education Summit Committee (YESC).

He expressed deep appreciation to all participants, especially the royal fathers, for their commitment to advancing the cause of education in Yewaland.