Ogun Commissioner of Education urges Corona schools to establish envisaged Corona University in the state
By Omolola Dede Adeyanju
The Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Ogun State, Professor Abayomi Adelaja Arigbabu has urged the Corona Schools’ Trust Council to establish the envisaged Corona University in Ogun state, owing to the strides of academic excellence and Noble Alumni the institution has produced in the country.
The Commissioner who was ably represented by Mr Bisiriu Akeem at the Educators RoundTable Forum, organized by the Corona Schools’ Trust Council in Commemoration of the institution’s seventieth anniversary on Thursday, commended the school for being a worthy institution for seven decades.
Meanwhile, as Corona schools celebrate the seven decades of impact and academic excellence, Professor of Science and Computer Education, Lagos state University, LASU, Prof. Peter Okebukola disclosed untrumpetted educational achievements of the institution in Nigeria and the global space as well as the school’s plans to establish a University.
Prof Okebukola who featured as the keynote speaker at the ERT applauded Corona school in light of the school’s vibrant management and board which manages the school effectively, making the institution transcend into a known institution for academic excellence and International competitiveness.
According to him, “The former commissioner of Education in Lagos State was a product of Corona school and likewise many other great people in the country today. The school has indeed assisted in complementing the government efforts in promoting Education in Lagos state, across Nigeria and globally. The journey has been good and Corona schools envisage establishing a University, probably in the next few years, which is a good one in enhancing better Education in Nigeria.
However, the CEO, Corona Schools, Adeyoyin Adesina, while examining the significance of the anniversary expressed, “Starting from 1955 till date, Corona schools have continued to grow. At 70 now, our growth extends beyond numerical increment into ethics, educational achievements, contributions to the educational space, in Lagos, Ogun state and even globally.”
The first panel session of the event, Moderated by Mr Leke Amuo and Mr Lanpe Afolape, had discussions revolving on maintaining ethical leadership and integrity in the educational space. The session hosted DVC admin, Pan African University, Dr Peter Bankole who highlighted Culture and norms as one of the effects on mindsets to leadership, explaining that staying true to religion or tribal sentiments impacts judgements sometimes. For instance, female leaders will instinctively want to go the extra mile to gain people’s approval. Noting that unethical operations can take one fast but only ethical operations can make one go far. “Education is not a Sprint, it has to be a marathon for us to conduct ourselves,” he added.
Panelist, CEO, Teach for Nigeria, Molade Adeniyi opened up to Ethical dilemma she experienced as a leader but didn’t break the rules. Hence she submitted that a leader must Show up fully, own up to their mistakes, talk about it openly and help others grow. “The right thing to do is always the right thing to do” she stated.
Furthermore, Panelist Mokesioluwa Seun Adedamola, SSA to Ogun state government on policy development. appreciated former Vice President, Yemi osibanjo, an alumni of Corona as an all rounder. “You cannot question his integrity.” In respect to integrity, she explained “We turn briefs away that will cause us to cross ethical lines and so long as you keep your standards, they will know you for who you are.”
Another Panelist Akin Akinpelu, a former teacher in Corona schools noted that If you can not embrace change, you can not pioneer it. As a teacher, he narrated instances he pioneered change in the lives of students and urged teachers to take values beyond academics to understand their students. Also, in response to a question raised by the audience, he said that research should be done well enough in the educational space because many students carry fake certificates that they cannot defend.
The second panel session Moderated by Nnena Okorie and Mrs Charles, themed- Social-Emotional Learning/Inclusion/Diversity in today’s classroom hosted Panelists; Professor Ngozi Osarenren, stating why SEL must be included in our classrooms today. She touched cases of Practical experience and solutions to examination fears. “All schools should have a counselor. We have different needs. The first five years of the child is mainly for socialization. Make them understand that right is right and wrong is wrong and there are consequences for all actions. Parents should not leave everything to the school for there to be a safe climate in the school. We have to invest in training and retraining our teachers.” She submitted.
Dr. Chigozie E. Edem highlighted strategies that help students to develop emotional intelligence and resilience. “Teach children survival processes, train them to be emotionally strong as individual members of the society, teach children, self reliance and self independence. I love Corona’s Synergy between Teachers and Parents, teachers are self confident and they build the confidence in the children.”
Moreso, Panelist Dr. Joy Isa stated that as a multicultural society, we should think of our shared culture and values, teach the children and help them believe in themselves. “Positive discipline”, she said, is a shift in our approach to discipline, “Redirecting misbehavior instead of punishing it.”
Also, Panelist John Todd expressed that more fathers should be involved in the process of Education. “Invest in teachers, one day or one hour training has almost no effect. Schools should go back to how to reform teachers with habit changing. For schools, the kindergarten is where children learn resilience and emotional control. Educate the teachers and invest in them so the students can get the right development.”
In addition, Panelist Banke Kunle Oladosu, speaking to exam stress and cumbersome subjects, advised that Preparation for exams, time management, long term preparation, practice, mental literacy exams and practical test exams help students to reduce anxiety and gain confidence towards examinations. “The school does not have all the answers. Reach out to your students’ teachers and know what is going on with them. Teach them empathy and kindness so they can be what you want them to be” she advised.
