ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- At a warm and celebratory gathering at the Babcock University Guest House, Professor Ademola S. Tayo, President and Vice-Chancellor of Babcock University, praised the Education Writers Association of Nigeria (EWAN) for their outstanding contributions to educational journalism and the nation’s broader educational development.
The event brought together notable figures, including Deputy Vice Chancellors, university officials, and prominent members of EWAN, in recognition of their work.
In his address, Professor Tayo commended education writers for their unwavering dedication to shaping public discourse on education.
He acknowledged their critical role in promoting accountability and transparency within the academic sector, noting the positive impact of their work on government policies and institutional practices.
Responding, the chairman of the association, Mr Mojeed Alabi thanked the VC for honouring EWAN.
He said “We are shocked and weren’t expecting this. We always respond when you call because we know that you have quality.”
Presenting a gift to the VC he said it’s a tradition at Ewan to always appreciate people when they do good to them.
Speaking on the recent EWAN summit that held in the University of Lagos (UNILAG) he said his association tackled two key issues- electricity tariff and TETFUND’s tradition of sending lecturers outside the shores of Nigeria for courses.
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“We heard that Babcock was billed N300m for electricity bill as well as some other institutions and hospitals which led to the shut down of many and we decided to talk about it during the summit.
“Thank God it yielded good fruits as the federal government has promised to look into it and TETFUND has stopped sending lecturers outside Nigeria for courses that are available in the country,” he said.
Reacting, the VC noted that up till now and even with the installation of solar power and other efforts to reduce the use of electricity, the university is still billed over N250m monthly for electricity.
Reflecting on Babcock University’s milestones over the past decade, Professor Tayo highlighted key achievements such as the establishment of an entrepreneurship training center and the renowned Babcock Business School in Lagos.
He attributed much of the university’s success to the support and insightful reporting of EWAN, underscoring its vital role in advancing academic excellence and innovation.
As his tenure as Vice-Chancellor draws to a close, Professor Ademola S. Tayo expressed gratitude for the fruitful collaboration with education writers and shared his optimism for Babcock University’s future.
He reaffirmed the critical partnership between Babcock University and the Education Writers Association of Nigeria (EWAN), encouraging its members to persist in their essential work of educational journalism.
Professor Tayo further emphasized the ethical responsibilities of journalists in an era marked by widespread misinformation.
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He urged education writers to maintain the highest standards of accuracy and integrity, highlighting the transformative power of their narratives in fostering societal change and unity. “We are not divided into separate entities, but rather constitute a singular nation,” he remarked, calling for a collective commitment to harmony and understanding.
In his closing remarks, the Vice-Chancellor expressed heartfelt gratitude to EWAN members for their dedication to excellence in educational journalism.
He encouraged them to continue driving positive change through their work.
The evening’s dinner served as a poignant reminder of the indispensable role education plays in cultivating a prosperous and harmonious society.
It also underscored the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and journalists in advancing these ideals.
As the event concluded, attendees departed with a renewed sense of purpose, inspired to use their platforms to promote unity and progress within education and beyond.
