A Professor of English Language and Literature has emphasized that attainment of life fulfillment can be achieved through proper Education, linguistic competence and Communication, which are key elements in solving life challenges.
The linguistic Professor, Prof. Michael Jimi Ogunnaike made this assertion while delivering the 31st Inaugural Lecture of the Tai Solarin University of Education, held recently at the 2012 TEfund Hall at the Ijagun main Campus titled: FROM CRADLE TO SEPULCHRE; NAVIGATING THE THRESHOLD OF EDUCATION LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE.
According to the Inaugural Lecturer and the Dean of College of Humanities, language is the defining characteristic of humanity and serves as a functional system of Communication that influences all aspects of life in the Society.
“Language interacts with every other aspect of Human life in a society, it is both a working system of Communication in the period and in the Community wherein it is used and also the product of its past history and the source of its future development,that is, a language-less Human Society, if there is any, will be devoid of order and meaning”, he noted
He further emphasized the need for Language and Literature teachers to adopt ICT-based tools to enhance learning through the use of Digital platforms like e-books, storytelling apps, and online forums so as to make literature more engaging and globally relevant in today’s digital world.
Professor Ogunnaike also highlighted the importance of language as a vehicle of cultural preservation, noting that English Language has played a crucial role in documenting traditions through Poetry, Drama and Prose.
“Without intact languages, cultures are bound to eventually become absorbed and acculturated by more dominant Societies and once a language is gone, all those ceremonies and unique ways of interacting with the world are gone forever” he further added.
He also stressed the importance of training and re-training teachers to meet professional standards, ensuring maximum impact and improved educational outcomes.
The inaugural lecturer, further introduced a scientific formula BCD – B stands for Birth, D represents Death and C which symbolizes Choice, Chance, and Career. This formula, he explains, encapsulates the journey of human existence from cradle to grave, shaped by the choices individuals make and the opportunities they encounter.
Commending the Federal Government’s initiative on Student loan disbursement, the University Don urged the State Government to take inspiration from such programs and implement similar initiatives at the state level.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oluwole Banjo , in his remarks, praised the inaugural lecture presenter for the scientific approach, logical and simplified delivery of the lecture summarised into a memorable formula.
He also lauded Prof. Ogunnaike’s recommendation for Government to provide special scholarships, loans and bursaries to students pursuing careers not only in English and literature but across all other disciplines. He reiterated that “you train a child, you train a nation.”
Present at the event were members of the University Management Team, Academics, non-teaching staff and students of the University as well as members of the family, friends associates and well wishers of the Inaugural Lecture presenter.