A professor of Social Studies Education from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Prof. Omare Celia Otote, has advocated attitudinal change and value reorientation aimed at problem-solving among Nigerians to grow a better and prosperous nation.
Professor Otote, while delivering the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma’s 105th Inaugural lecture titled “Repositioning Affective Learning For Core Mandate Of Social Studies Education in Nigeria: Back To Basics”, said: “The Nigerian society is bedeviled by a myriad of problems which are social, ethnic, political, religious, and economic, among others.”
According to Professor Otote, who happens to be the first female inaugural lecturer from the Department of Curriculum and Instruction as well as the first Professor of Social Studies Education in the University, “Social Studies as a discipline encourages a positive attitude towards problem-solving because problems must come.”
Professor Otote affirmed that “No one is relevant except by making a positive contribution to one’s environment”, thus advocating for a synergy between “the Gown and the Town”.
The lecture, which provided possible solutions to prevailing social challenges in Nigeria, specifically suggested how affective learning can be repositioned to achieve the core mandate of Social Studies Education in Nigeria.
Professor Otote recommended value reorientation among Nigerian youths to ensure a better future for the country and noted that “The prevailing lavish lifestyle of Nigerian youths makes it so difficult for them to settle for a dignified vocation. Six months of revenue after basic expenses may not be enough to purchase a desired ‘iPhone’ as everyone appears to be in a hurry.”
Speaking earlier, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Asomwan Sonnie Adagbonyin, said the lecture was a well-thought-out academic work that dealt with the realities in our nation today.
Professor Adagbonyin, who was represented by the University’s Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Professor Theo Agweda, said: “We are ever prepared as Management of the University to support our staff and students and encourage them to excel in their chosen careers and endeavours.
“The recent awards in technology received by our University in the just concluded 2023, 9th Edition of Nigeria Technology awards as ‘Best use of Social Media State University’, ‘Best University Portal of the Year’, and Excellence in technology Deployment State University’, attest to our continued pursuit of excellence in whatever we do and our determination to dare where others fear”.
Professor Adagbonyin informed the University community that the Management would continue to support everything that would bring growth and development to the institution as it strives to be one of the best in the comity of Nigerian, African and world universities.