By DAYO ADESULU
Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State – December 7, 2024 – In a heartfelt welcome speech delivered at the Babcock University Guest House, Professor Ademola S. Tayo, President and Vice-Chancellor of Babcock University, celebrated the significant contributions of the Education Writers Association of Nigeria (EWAN) to educational journalism and the broader educational landscape of the nation.
The evening was marked by a gathering of esteemed colleagues, including Deputy Vice Chancellors and various university dignitaries, alongside distinguished members of EWAN. Professor Tayo expressed his deep appreciation for the steadfast commitment of education writers in shaping public discourse around education. He highlighted their role in fostering accountability and transparency within the academic community, noting that their efforts have influenced governmental perspectives and institutional strategies.
Reflecting on Babcock University’s journey over the past decade, Professor Tayo shared notable achievements, including the establishment of an entrepreneurship training center and the prestigious Babcock Business School in Lagos. He emphasized the university’s dedication to academic excellence and innovation, attributing much of its progress to the supportive journalism of EWAN members.
As he nears the conclusion of his tenure as Vice-Chancellor, Tayo expressed gratitude for the collaboration with education writers and voiced optimism for the future of the university. He reaffirmed the importance of the alliance between Babcock University and EWAN, urging members to continue their vital work in educational journalism.
Professor Tayo also underscored the ethical responsibilities of journalists in an age of misinformation. He called on education writers to uphold the highest standards of accuracy and integrity, emphasizing that their narratives have the power to influence societal change and promote unity. “We are not divided into separate entities, but rather constitute a singular nation,” he stated, urging for a collective commitment to fostering harmony and understanding.
In closing, the Vice-Chancellor expressed heartfelt gratitude to the members of EWAN for their dedication to advancing excellence in educational journalism, encouraging them to continue igniting positive change through their work.
The dinner served as a reminder of the crucial role that education plays in building a prosperous and harmonious society, and the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and journalists in championing these ideals.
As the evening unfolded, attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose, inspired to leverage their platforms for unity and progress within the educational sphere and beyond.
