The Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University (LASU), Prof Olarenwaju Fagbohun says change in curriculum and retraining of teachers would help in improving
the nation’s education system.
Fagbohun spoke with our correspondent during the maiden edition of an inter faculty debate organised by the Lagos State University Debating Society (LSUDS), on Friday in Lagos.
The debate was organised on the topic: “Improving the Educational System in Nigeria; New Curriculum or New Teaching Hands?”
The VC said: “I would say that we need to change the schools curriculum, as well as the teachers.
“At the same time, when we say changing of teachers, we are not talking about employing new and young teachers.
“We need to ensure that the teachers acquire certain pedagogical skills, which is needed to retrain them from time to time.
“The knowledge we need for the 21st century is different from what we needed for the 20th century; so we need to review the curriculum to give the appropriate skills.
“It is when the two work together that we will have the very best that will be able to deliver an effective output for the students.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the vice-chancellor commended the students for taking the initiative to organise the debate and talk about issues in the educational system.
“What you are doing here today is marvelous and I must commend you for that.
“The reason is, you are engaged in the same conversation the nation is engaged in today, which is how to improve the quality of education in Nigeria.
“You have brought people together to discuss issues that the nation is talking about.
“That is why in addition to your source of funds, I, Olarenwaju Fagbohun, will personally fund the debating society with a sum of 100,000 Naira,” he said.
Fagbohun encouraged the students to continue their efforts in contributing to national conversations by regularly organising debates.
“Our students are contributing to national issues and conversations.
”I would advise that they keep organising debates like this; it will go a long way in developing them,” he said.
