In a thought provoking inaugural lecture delivered on November 6, 2025, Professor Bamidele Oladapo Olanisimi, a leading expert in Counselling and Creativity Education at Tai Solarin Federal University of Education (TASFUED), has made a clarion call for the strengthening of creativity, academic innovativeness, and resilience in Education.
Professor Olanisimi, a former Director, Center for Human Rights and Gender Education (CHURGE),made the call recently, while delivering the University’s 37th Inaugural Lecture,titled,”Strengthening creativity, Academic innovatiness and resilience in Education: A clarion call of counselling Psychologists”.
“The inseparable bond between creativity and innovation as critical drivers of Educational development and student success, “Creativity is the genesis of original ideas, while innovation is the implementation of those ideas,” he explained,
He Highlighted how these twin forces ignite problem solving skills and prepare students to meet future challenges.
The lecture drew attention to creative techniques such as brain-writing and the CORT 5 thinking programme, both designed to enhance creative thinking and life skills among learners.
Research conducted in Nigerian secondary schools confirmed the effectiveness of these techniques, with brain-writing showing slightly higher potency in fostering creativity and productive thinking among teachers. Notably, the Professor underscored that these benefits transcend gender, affirming that both male and female Educators can equally develop creative competencies.
Professor Olanisimi also traced the evolution of creativity research from early philosophical foundations through modern psychological theories, underscoring the vital role counselling psychologists play in nurturing resilience and emotional regulation. By equipping students with these skills, Educators can build adaptive, innovative learners ready to thrive in an ever-changing world.
The lecture came at a time when Educational systems globally face unprecedented demands for transformation. The professor’s message aligns with the growing imperative to integrate creativity and resilience into curricula, positioning counselling psychologists as pivotal agents in this transformative agenda.
As Nigeria and the world confront rapid technological and societal shifts, the call to infuse Education with creativity, innovation, and resilience has never been more urgent. Professor Olanisimi’s lecture is a timely reminder that nurturing the creative potential of learners is key to sustainable progress and holistic national development.
The Event, which was chaired by the Ag. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adekunle Adeogun FSIN was also attended by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Prof. Rotimi Ettu; the Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Mr ‘Dapo Oke MANUPA, FCIA; the Bursar, Mr Kabir Ogunneye FCA; the Librarian, Prof. Adebambo Oduwole; the Provost Postgraduate College, Prof. Femi Fatade FMAN; Dean of Colleges, Professional Collegeuages; Educational stakeholders, Policymakers,Family members, students and friends.