Professor Olubayi Olubayi, Chief Academic Officer of Maarifa Education Holding and Chairman of University Council at Cavendish University, Uganda, delivered a compelling message on Thursday, emphasizing the critical need for African leaders to focus on educating gifted children to propel the continent’s growth and development to match global standards.
Addressing the theme “Functional Education and Effective Political Leadership as a Panacea to Africa’s Growth and Development,” Professor Olubayi highlighted the disparity between Africa and advanced nations in nurturing and harnessing the potential of gifted children. He proposed the establishment of specialized schools for exceptionally gifted and talented children across every African country, a move he argued would align Africa’s educational strategies with those of Western nations.
Citing statistics and examples, Professor Olubayi lamented that while Western countries heavily subsidized education and research, African nations were encouraged to cut back on such investments. He pointed out that despite Africa’s vast population and potential, scientific discoveries and technological advancements lagged significantly behind other regions, citing Nigeria’s modest 16 discoveries despite its large population.
Drawing inspiration from V.S. Naipaul’s quote “The world is what it is; men who are nothing, who allow themselves to become nothing have no place in it,” Professor Olubayi stressed the urgency for African nations to take initiative in shaping their educational policies and priorities. He criticized the continent’s reliance on external directives and urged leaders to emulate Western models where governments support universities and establish special institutions for gifted students.
The summit also featured prominent figures including the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman of Nigeria, who highlighted efforts to reintegrate millions of out-of-school children into the educational system. Former President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, echoed Professor Olubayi’s sentiments, emphasizing the transformative power of education in securing Africa’s future.
Former Governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, called for action over rhetoric, urging African leaders to focus on providing functional education as a means to lift people out of poverty. Meanwhile, former First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, advocated for inclusivity in identifying and nurturing talented children from diverse backgrounds.
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State commended the dialogue and reiterated his state’s commitment to educational reforms through initiatives like EDOBEST. Former President Goodluck Jonathan concluded the event by urging states to learn from educational models that promote excellence.
Dignitaries including the former President of Benin Republic and the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria attended the summit, underscoring its importance in shaping the future of African education and development.
The dialogue underscored a unified call for African leaders to prioritize education, particularly for gifted children, as a cornerstone for advancing the continent’s socio-economic landscape in the global arena.