Prof. Offiong Charges COE to Promote Innovation, Restore Trust in Education
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, has charged members of the University’s College of Education (COE) to continually update their knowledge and develop innovative ideas that will contribute to the advancement of education in Nigeria.
The Vice-Chancellor gave the charge at the 2nd Annual Conference organised by the College of Education with the theme, “ *Restoring Trust in Education: Preparing Future-Ready Citizens for the Knowledge Economy,”* held at the Godswill Akpabio International Conference Centre of the University.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Linkages and Collaboration, Prof. Anthony Egrinya Eneji, the varsity helmsman said the education sector is confronted with several challenges, including infrastructural deficits and the need for continuous professional development among teachers.
The Vice Chancellor emphasised the importance of self-evaluation and continuous learning among professional teachers, noting that educators must constantly upgrade their knowledge and skills and embrace new ideas to remain relevant in the rapidly changing digital environment.
He observed that knowledge is evolving rapidly, particularly with the emergence of artificial intelligence and other technological advancements, stressing the need for teachers to keep pace with these developments.
According to him, “We must be updated in the era of artificial intelligence and advancements in technology.”
Prof Offiong commended the College of Education for organising the conference, describing its theme as timely and relevant to current realities in the education sector.
He also appreciated government officials, scholars and other participants for attending the conference despite their busy schedules.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed concern over declining public confidence in the education system and stressed the importance of collective efforts by educators and other stakeholders to restore trust and improve the quality of education.
He expressed confidence in the capacity of the College of Education to equip teachers with the knowledge, skills and competencies required to positively influence the future of children and generations to come.
“I believe that the College of Education is well equipped to train teachers with the capacity to shape the future of our children and grandchildren,” he said.
The Varsity administrator encouraged participants to take full advantage of the conference and make the most of the knowledge and skills to be gained from the various sessions, noting that such professional engagements would contribute to strengthening the education sector and preparing learners for the demands of the knowledge economy.
In his welcome address, the Acting Provost of the College of Education, University of Calabar, Prof. John Undie, welcomed the invited guests and participants to what he described as a historic academic event.
Reflecting on the theme, “Restoring Trust in Education: Preparing Future-Ready Citizens for the Knowledge Economy,” Prof. Undie described it as apt and relevant to the current realities of the education sector, noting that it was also in line with the College’s commitment to promoting academic excellence.
According to him, the theme aligns with the overall vision of the 12th Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Offiong Effanga Offiong, who, he said, was committed to restoring trust and strengthening the institution.
The Acting Provost commended the keynote speaker, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Nath Abraham, as well as the other lead paper presenters, Prof. Vivian Ngozi Nwogbo, former Dean of the Faculty of Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and Prof. James Bassey Ejue, Director of Academic Planning, University of Calabar, for making time to participate in the conference despite their busy schedules.
He expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for the impact of his administration within its first year in office, and also appreciated the Dean, Heads of Departments, members of the College Organising Committee and other staff for their contributions towards the success of the conference.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Prof. Uduak Ekpoh,
said the conference provided a valuable platform for scholars, policymakers, administrators, teachers and other stakeholders to reflect on the challenges confronting the education sector and explore practical strategies for rebuilding trust and improving educational outcomes.
She encouraged participants to engage actively and constructively in the presentations and discussions, stressing that restoring trust in education was a collective responsibility.
Prof. Ekpoh appreciated the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, for what she described as transformative leadership and for efforts aimed at enhancing the University’s standing nationally and internationally.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Nath Abraham said restoring trust in education should not be regarded as a decorative feature of the education system but as a vital resource that influences relationships among the various stakeholders within the system.
He stated that trust was essential among parents, students, teachers, employers, governing bodies and government.
According to him, parents trust schools to safeguard and educate their children, students trust teachers to engage them in meaningful learning, while teachers trust educational leaders to value their professional judgement.
He added that teachers, in turn, must also value and respect their students.
Prof. Abraham noted that employers expect educational qualifications to reflect relevant skills, while governing bodies entrust professionals with oversight responsibilities.
Government, he added, also entrusts educational institutions with public resources, including funds for investment in the education system.
He stressed that educational leadership should go beyond rankings and results, explaining that it should be anchored on a credible purpose that connects teaching and learning with research, character development, employability and responsible citizenship.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Conference, Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator Prof. Stephen Odey, commended the College of Education (COE) for its giant strides and contributions to the development of education.
The Chairman said, he was passionate about education and expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the College in advancing the sector.
Sen. Prof. Odey described the theme of the conference as timely and relevant, adding that he looks forward to the various presenters doing justice to the theme through their presentations and contributions.
Reflecting on his experiences with his teachers, Prof. Odey noted that teachers play a significant role in shaping individuals and society.
He expressed confidence that participants at the conference would gain valuable knowledge and insights that would enrich their professional practice.
Prof Odey further assured the College of his readiness to work with and support the COE, while encouraging members to participate actively and take the conference seriously.
The Conference Chairman identified foundational literacy and numeracy, critical and analytical thinking, creativity and innovation, communication and collaboration, among others, as essential capacities for building a future-ready curriculum and preparing citizens for the knowledge economy.
The Commissioner of Education maintained that restoring trust required deliberate action from government, institutions, leaders, teachers and communities.
He identified some trust-building practices as listening before taking major decisions, explaining decisions clearly, accepting responsibility, being accountable for results and learning from evidence.
Academic awards were also presented to Prof. S.B.C. Iheanacho, Prof. Arikpo Bassey Arikpo and Prof. Lucas Ogunjimi in recognition of their contributions to human capital development and their services and sacrifices to the University.
Other award recipients included government officials and distinguished personalities such as the Commissioner for Education, Cross River State, Prof. Steven Odey, SAN; the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Cross River State, Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar; Hon. Peter Akonfe Undiandeye; and Hon. Cyril James Omini, Member of the Cross River State House of Assembly representing Yakurr I State Constituency.
The conference brought together academics, education administrators, policymakers, government officials and other stakeholders to deliberate on ways of strengthening trust, innovation and excellence in the education sector.
Public Relations Unit University of Calabar
