A former Professor of Arabic Language Education and Director, Institute of Education, University of Ilorin, Prof. Abdul Ganiy Oladosu, has urge youths and Professional entertainers to prioritise education together with their skills.
Oladosu gave the advise on Tuesday, while delivering his speech titled: “Education makes the difference,” at the Reception ceremony organised in his honour by the Erin-Osun Progressive Union.
According to him, there is need for education and certification in any professional endeavours the youth want to undertake so as to make a positive difference.
“Certainly, what has made the difference in my life is the education and not the recreation, even though, being professional entertainers can also make difference in the life of some people.
“The truth however is that, very few people make a successful life out of being professionals in recreation, compared to those whose path as professionals is defined by education.
“For those who will even make a living out of recreation, they need to follow the path of education because there is a world of difference between someone who enrols in a football academy and one who plays football on the streets,” he said.
The don emphasised that whatever children do today, they have to be educated and certificated.
Oladosu who is also former Chief Imam of Unilorin Central mosque observed that, according to Islamic tenets only a few aspects of professional recreation and entertainment can be presented as legitimate sources of income in the hereafter, if there is any, at all.
He advised the Progressive Union of the community to ensure the youth prioritise education and value community development, adding that Erin-Osun community should not be that of gamblers and lost youth population.
He also advised the community to develop short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals which would include biennial education and skill acquisition summits, as well as scholarship programmes.
“We could give scholarships awards to outstanding and indigent students so that secondary school and diploma certificates becomes the lowest educational qualification any of our children will have in a few years to come,” he said.
Oladosu charged Erin-Osun Progressive Union to create a database of all sons and daughters of the town, and know their professions towards making their beloved town a technology hub.
“We have sons and daughters who had worked at places like the IBM, Facebook and Google at the highest technical level. We need to identify them and bring them home to create the new Ẹrin-Ọṣun”, he stated.
Earlier in his welcome address, the President of the Erin-Osun Progressive Union, Alh. Hassan Alao said the occasion was a celebration of two great personalities, adding that the honour was not just for what they have done, but what the town wants them to do.
Speaking about Prof. Oladosu, Engineer. Hassan, who is also the Aare Musulumi of Erin-Osun said that the reception ceremony was their way of telling the Professor that they await his return to Erin-Osun, as he is only retired not tired.
The event also featured the conferment of awards on the two guests of honour, Prof. Oladosu, and Engr. Oyegbile, as well as presentation of special recognition awards to Hon. Ibrahim Olawale Dauda, Mr. Benjamin Yinka Aderinola, and Dr Dupe Akande for their meritorious service to Erin-Osun.
