A professor at the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Prof. Olugbenga Solomon Bello, has called on key stakeholders, including students, parents, teachers and the government, to demonstrate greater commitment toward reversing the steady decline in Nigeria’s education system.
Prof. Bello, who is the most cited LAUTECH scholar, made the call while delivering a guest lecture at the Education Sunday programme of Ayo-Igbala Baptist Church, Jerry Awodoye Street, Randa, Ogbomoso.
Addressing students, the don stressed the need for discipline, focus and hard work, noting that academic excellence is achievable if the right study habits are adopted.
He advised students to read their notes at least three times ahead of tests and examinations and to dedicate a minimum of three hours to revision for every one hour of lecture received.
According to him, “If students apply these strategies faithfully, there is no way they will not score up to 300 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Attention must be given to studies.”
Prof. Bello cautioned against distractions, particularly excessive use of mobile phones, describing it as a major threat to effective learning.
He also condemned hooliganism, laziness and lack of discipline among students, urging them to starve distractions and remain focused on their academic goals.
The professor also tasked parents and guardians to take education planning seriously, urging every parent to have a clear educational plan for their children. He specifically advised parents who are civil servants to open dedicated bank accounts to prepare for the future educational pursuits of their wards.
Speaking to teachers and educators, Prof. Bello urged them to be dutiful and committed to their responsibilities, describing their role as central to shaping sound minds and building a strong educational foundation.
He noted that while education is everybody’s business, the government bears the greatest responsibility.
He therefore called for increased commitment and investment in the sector, urging government officials, education stakeholders, philanthropists and foundations to actively contribute to the development of education.
He stressed that collective effort from all segments of society is essential to restoring the nation’s education system and ensuring a brighter future for the younger generation.

We really enjoyed the lecture