By Adetokunbo FAKEYE
Nigeria, Ogun State – The people of Yewaland in the Ogun West Senatorial District of Ogun State has declared State of Emergency on Education.
This is contain in a Communique issued after a two-day Yewa Education Summit, organized by the Yewa People Development Council (YPDC), between April 15th and 16th, 2025, at the Rahamon Oloyo Conference Centre, Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, with Theme: “Repositioning Education in Yewaland: Challenges and Prospects”.
While pronouncing the declaration, HRM Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle MFR, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, submitted that without grassroots support, government efforts to fix education will fall short.
Other key resolutions aimed at addressing the region’s educational crisis include, Establishment of a Yewa Education Trust Fund to mobilize resources for infrastructure and innovation; and the Promotion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a strategic pathway to empower youths with practical skills and reduce unemployment.
The summit also call on elites across Yewaland to adopt schools by providing financial support to bridge infrastructural gaps and improve learning conditions.
In addition, parents and teachers were urged to take responsibility in restoring integrity to the education system by discouraging examination malpractices and instilling the right values in students.
The summit, drew a robust turnout of traditional rulers, education experts, community leaders, civil society groups, youth and student bodies, private sector actors, and concerned citizens.
The first day of the summit featured a paper presentation by the Lead Speaker, Prof. Taiwo Edun, a seasoned academic and former Dean of the Faculty of Education, Olabisi Onabanjo University, on “Critical Assessment of the Current State of Education and its Impact on the Socio-Economic Development of Yewaland”.
Prof. Edun painted a sobering picture of the current education landscape and called for collaborative action to reverse the decline.
The summit featured four other insightful presentations: Prof. Sheriffdeen Tella on “Funding and Financing for Sustainable Educational Development in Yewaland”; Prof. Tolu Ogunleye on “Framework for Career Advisory and Mentorship for Yewa Youths”; Dr. (Mrs.) Charlotte B. Iro-Idoro on “TVET, Entrepreneurship, and Digital Training Pathways for Youth Development in Yewaland”, and Very Rev. Akanbi Orobiyi on “The Roles of Critical Stakeholders in Advancing Education in Yewaland”.
While the summit succeeded in raising critical conversations and producing far-reaching resolutions, the true test lies in the execution of a comprehensive action plan that translates ideas into visible impact.
Some stakeholders believe Yewaland must now walk the talk – mobilizing its people, resources, and institutions to ensure that this historic summit becomes a launchpad for genuine and sustained transformation in the educational sector.
