The Vice Chancellor of Lead City University, Ibadan, Professor Kabiru Adeyemo and other stakeholders in the education sector have harped on the need for formulation of technological-driven policies in order to be abreast of the global trend.

This formed part of the submission at the university’s Faculty of Education Summit with the theme: ‘Repositioning Education for the 21st Century,’ held in the Oyo’s state capital, on Tuesday.

Adeyemo, in his address, urged Nigerian universities, policymakers, scholars, educationists and other stakeholders to prepare graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also adaptable and capable of contributing meaningfully to national development.

He submitted that education, across the world, is undergoing significant transformation, while traditional models of teaching and learning are being challenged by rapid technological advancement, globalisation, and the evolving needs of society.

He explained that the theme of the summit challenged everybody to integrate digital technologies, promote critical thinking, encourage creativity, and foster problem-solving skills that will enable graduates to thrive in a competitive global environment.

“For us at Lead City University, we believe that the future of education lies in interdisciplinary learning, research-driven teaching, and strong collaboration between academia, government, and industry.

“Education remains the bedrock of national development and the most powerful instrument for societal transformation. In the 21st century, the world is witnessing unprecedented changes driven by technological innovation, globalisation, and the rapid evolution of knowledge. These developments demand that our educational systems adapt quickly to remain relevant and impactful,” he submitted.

In his keynote address, the state Commissioner for Education, Segun Olayiwola represented by Muftau Adegboyega, said education, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, remains a strategic pillar of sustainable development.

He said the government recognises that no educational reform can succeed without competent, motivated, and forward-thinking teachers, hence the reason why emphasis continues to be on teacher training, retraining, digital literacy, curriculum relevance, and professional standards.

The commissioner, therefore, charged the students to embrace continuous learning, saying the future belongs to those who are willing to upgrade their skills, embrace innovation, and remain resilient in the face of change.

In his lecture, the immediate past Vice Chancellor of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ekiti State, Professor Olufemi Adeoluwa, urged education instructors to be abreast of technological development.

He said repositioning education for the 21st century should be the collective responsibility of all the stakeholders.

“A lot has to be done to reposition the education sector in the country in order to take care of the future challenges. There is need to incorporate the teaching of Artificial intelligence in our curriculum to be abreast of the global trend. Also, the education instructors have to be creative in imparting knowledge,” Professor Adeololu said.

In his welcome address, the Dean, Faculty of Education, Lead City University, Professor Donald Odeleye emphasised that education is not merely the transmission of knowledge from one generation to the next; it is the foundation of civilization, the engine of innovation and the most powerful instrument for social mobility and national development.

He said: “Teachers shape character and curiosity. Researchers illuminate new pathways for learning. Policymakers provide direction and support. Industry leaders bridge the gap between knowledge and opportunity. Parents cultivate values that sustain lifelong learning and our students remind us why this work matters. When these voices converge, something powerful happens: ideas evolve into solutions, and aspiration become collective commitment.” (Nigerian Tribune)