Well-renowned educationist and Founder of the Ecolerite Institute for Peace Advancement, Dr (Amb) Akande Kazeem Babatunde has commemorated the International Day for Education by issuing a public statement on the need for educationist across the country and the world to ensure that the entity of peace is embedded in all learning process.
While granting an interview earlier today, Akande noted that the theme for this year International Day for Education, “Learning for Peace” is well thought-out which resonates with the state of the country and our world. Akande continued that essence of education is to maintain national and international peace by building individuals who are sound in judgement and character.
He further explained that the recent happenings around the world and particularly in Nigeria calls for a review of our educational curriculum to evaluate what role the education received in institutions at all levels plays in keeping peace.
Quoting the words of Maria Montessori, Akande observed that “averting war is the job of politicians but keeping the peace is the work of education “.
Akande extended his admonition to stakeholders in the educational sector to ensure that peace is at the bedrock of the education that is provided to Nigerians at all level. He said only by learning with peace can we attain religious tolerance, cross-cultural understanding, and national cohesion that can lead to national growth and prosperity.
Akande commended the strides Oyo state is making on education and peace building under the administration of Seyi Makinde while extending his kudos to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for creating an enabling environment for education and peace to thrive in the country.
He encouraged them to keep fostering and supporting initiatives the preaches peace through education.
Akande concluded by pledging his commitment as a peace advocate and an educationist to ensure that peace and formal education are given to students concurrently.
He encouraged all other players in the education system to also take this huge step as this will be a great contribution to nation building.
Akande celebrated all teachers and those who have made education possible and hoped that the theme of this International Day for Education will lead to national peace and prosperity.