Scholars demand syncretic education for African development, transformation 

International scholars have advocated syncretic education, as fulcrum on which Africa’s development and transformation should turn, positing that it must encompass all facets of the Black race.

This was disclosed during the three-day Toyin Falola International Conference on Africa and the African Diaspora (TOFAC) at Adeyemi College of Education (ACE), Ondo, which ended yesterday, themed: “Education and Africa’s Transformation.”

Over 350 participants across the globe attended the conference, which the organiser, Prof. Toyin Falola, noted was aimed at capturing Africa with a view to engendering a bright and innovative future for the continent.

He urged African continent to brace itself as the driver of its destiny, by harnessing the productive energies of its youth population, capitalising on the synergies of its residents in Diaspora and the necessity of forging global alliances.

A keynote speaker, Prof. Clement Kolawole, in his address, described education as an effective instrument for total liberation, if properly harnessed and implemented.

Delivering a lecture on the topic: “Reclaiming African Education: a call for syncretic education,” Kolawole said education is capable of giving the individual ability and requirements for self-emancipation.

“Africans’ potentials could only be achieved through education. Therefore, our leaders should extend the bold steps and initiatives that brought up AU to education.

Education in Africa has to be strengthened and transformed to propel transformation and development. If education is to be used to transform Africa, it must first be transformed to suit African realities and situations,” he said.

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), who was represented by his Deputy, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, said no serious government would take education with levity, and that 40 per cent budgetary allocation for education would result in better performance.