By Funmilayo Thomas
An Educational Management academic, Professor Comfort Adedoja Akinfolarin at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), has urged educational institutions to prioritise entrepreneurship education in their curriculum.
Akinfolarin made this call at the 31st Inaugural Lecture of AAUA, held at the university's Multipurpose Hall on Tuesday.
Delivering the lecture, "Resource Management: A Catalyst for Qualitative and Functional Education," Akinfolarin stressed the importance of parents and guardians being curious about the kind of education provided in schools and improving the standard of education generally.
She added that supervision is a key function of education management, emphasising that supervision should be taken seriously.
"It is the responsibility of the school administrator to develop and maintain staff competence in the school setting. The instructional supervision activities by the head of department (HOD) include checking lesson notes, schemes of work, and monitoring teachers' lesson notes," she said.
Akinfolarin noted that for quality education, the provision of adequate resources such as well-equipped libraries, instructional materials, training of necessary cadres of teachers with adequate knowledge of what to teach and the methodology, enrichment of learners' homes, and a conducive school environment should be provided.
"Other factors include promoting extra-curricular and co-curricular activities, quality control of education through supervision, inspection, continuous assessment, and fiscal resources allocated, as well as other meaningful measures taken by the government towards revitalizing the educational system," she added.
Speaking on challenges in resource utilization, Akinfolarin cited the efficient management of resources, whether natural, human, or economic, as not merely a technical endeavour but a moral imperative.
She said to ensure sustainable development and equitable distribution, navigating intricate landscapes of policy, technology, and human behaviour is required.
"One of the significant challenges in education is the inequitable distribution of resources. Schools in low-income areas often lack adequate funding, experienced teachers, and essential learning materials, leading to disparities in educational outcomes," the professor stated.
Akinfolarin further stressed the benefits of resources in education, noting that they encompass a wide range of materials, personnel, and financial inputs crucial for effective teaching and learning.
To maximize the benefits of these resources, she added that it is essential to align them with educational goals, invest in professional development, integrate technology thoughtfully, and engage the community.
For sustainable development, Akinfolarin recommended that courses showcasing functional education, such as sciences, adult education, vocational and technical education, guidance and counselling, and others, should be prioritised.
“Practically, looking into Post-Basic Education in the NPE (2014), science students are expected to study compulsory subjects such as English, Mathematics, Civic Education, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Students with these basic subjects find it easier to apply science knowledge to any area of study in Vocational and Technical Education.”
She concluded that functional and qualitative education make a nation worthy of development; hence, the availability, utilisation, and maintenance of resources are paramount.
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