In a significant address aimed at tackling gender-related barriers to education and digital access, Dr. (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi, wife of the former Governor of Oyo State, has underscored the importance of a multi-faceted approach to skill development.
Speaking at the maiden Faculty of Education Annual Lecture Series, which took place on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at the Jelili Adebisi Omotola Hall, she highlighted the need to integrate technology training into school curricula, establish partnerships with tech companies, and promote mentorship programmes to empower individuals and stimulate economic growth.
Dr. Ajimobi delivered an insightful presentation, drawing from her extensive experience in educational advocacy and gender issues, to an audience that included policymakers, university members, students, and notable guests including the Vice-Chancellor of Trinity University, Lagos and a prominent educator, Professor Clement Olusegun Kolawole,.
Dr. Ajimobi spoke to the theme, “Gender & Skill Enhancement for Digital Integration of Higher Education Models in Nigeria”. She emphasized the critical need for fostering gender inclusivity and equipping students with the essential skills to navigate the digital landscape, thereby promoting financial independence.
She structured her presentation into two key segments: “Gender Inequality and Hybrid Education Models in Nigeria: The Way Forward” and “Skill Enhancement Towards Digital Integration in Nigeria.”
Addressing the persistent gender disparities in education, Dr. Ajimobi pointed out that, despite improvements in access, significant inequalities remain, especially in rural areas. “Education is a fundamental right, yet many girls still face barriers due to cultural norms and economic factors,” she stated.
Citing a 2022 report indicating that 28% of girls aged 5 to 14 were not enrolled in primary or secondary school, she highlighted the stark reality that over 50% of girls in northern Nigeria are out of school due to poverty, early marriage, and cultural beliefs.
With the gender digital divide widening, particularly for girls and women, Dr. Ajimobi advocated for hybrid education models that combine traditional and digital learning to enhance access for marginalized groups.
Welcoming participants, Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee, Professor Grace O. Otinwa, emphasized the importance of continuous professional development in digital skills amid rapidly evolving technologies.
Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor Simeon Adebayo Oladipo, also underscored the necessity of skill enhancement to empower both male and female students in the digital era. He used the occasion to outline ongoing initiatives aimed at integrating technology into the curriculum and fostering inclusivity.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor Ogunsola at the event, the Dean of Pharmacy, Professor Gloria Abiodun Ayoola, spoke on the relevance of the lecture theme, aligning it with the institution’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and innovative educational environment.
She stressed, “As we navigate the rapidly evolving digital age, the integration of technology into higher education has become imperative. However, the benefits of digitalization can only be fully realized when all members of our academic community have the necessary skills and opportunities to participate effectively.”
Professor Ogunsola identified gender disparity as a major challenge that hinders women’s access to digital resources. She emphasized the need for gender-inclusive strategies and programmes to address skill gaps among learners, asserting that these gaps impede their ability to benefit from hybrid learning environments.
“We must consider what more is needed to address gender-related barriers to education and digital tools,” she stated, advocating for technology integration and effective ICT strategies to ensure online safety.
The event also featured presentations from student representatives across various departments within the Faculty of Education, allowing attendees to delve into the practical implications of Dr. Ajimobi’s proposals.
Her compelling insights sparked discussions about the future of education in Nigeria and the vital role of gender equality and digital skills in creating an inclusive educational landscape.
Earlier in the day upon her arrival, the former Oyo State first lady paid a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola OON, FAS before embarking on a short trip to the Make-A-Difference ‘MAD’ House, an innovative hub for creatives situated within the institution.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Samuel O. Dosunmu
