AN ADDRESS BY
PROF. M.N.SULE, THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION OF SOCIOLOGIST OF
EDUCATION OF NIGERIA ON THE OCCASION OF THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE
ASSOCIATION’S 12TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE HOLDING AT THE FCE
(TECHNICAL) ASABA FROM THE 7TH TO 11TH OCTOBER,2018
PROTOCOL
Today
marks another milestone in the existence of the Association of Sociologists of
Education of Nigeria (ASEN) as it holds its 12th International
conference in Asaba, the capital of delta state. The association has consistently
held its annual meetings since its rejuvenation in 2007 at the Federal College of
Education, Pankshin. This is a feat which many academic associations have not
been able to attain. During this period of its existence, the association has
been able to discuss and indeed provide opportunities for the analysis of
topical issues that have reshaped the thinking of Nigerians towards the
development of the nation. Particularly, matters of nation-building relating to
the national economy, politics, the family, religious, justice and equity as
affiliated to education and its practices. This connection forms the major
links between school and society for which sociology of Education is predicated
upon.
In
all resolutions arising from our meetings, communiqués are often articulated
and passed onto the media and relevant government agencies for noting as well
as for possible curricular reviews.
At
this year’s meeting, the theme “Education, Ethnicity and the Restructuring
Debate in Nigeria” has been carefully drawn for our thinking focus to coincide
with the current national discourse. The purpose is to raise our consciousness
and indeed that of Nigerians, on the need or otherwise to support the clamour
to restructure the socio-political state of Nigeria. I believe that, this
meeting shall provide the required intellectual platform for which our views
will educate Nigerians on the necessity or otherwise to embrace the call of
advocates of the restructuring agenda. I therefore, call on all our members and
those who have been invited to deliver papers, to do so, dispassionately so as
to arrive at some reasonable conclusions that will guarantee a stable polity
for our nation. This is uncontestable index of unity, which adequately
resolved, will enhance the corporateness of Nigeria, even as a multi-ethnic
nation.
Distinguished
ladies and gentlemen, the teaching of sociology of Education in our colleges of
Education and Universities in Nigeria is fast gaining popularity as it is
appropriately situated as core in the course-listing as prescribed in the
teacher-training school curriculum. However our attention has been drawn to the
downward review of its credit load from two to one in the NCE curriculum. This
is rather restrictive and will result and will compromise the expected wide
content coverage which will result in the reduction of the teaching of vital
areas of knowledge. The implication is that, the curriculum content will only
produce a non-balanced teacher who will lack deep knowledge in Sociology of
Education. The relevant authority has already been contacted and our submission
is being packaged for necessary reversal to the credit load.
At
the moment, the association of sociologists of Education of Nigeria (ASEN)
Secretarial has moved from the University of Jos to the Lagos State University,
Ojo following its essential Executive election last year. I wish to therefore
pay tribute the founder of ASEN Prof. C.O. Daramola for the role he played in
ensuring a smooth transition from the old to the new executive team. Equally,
the out gone commendation for nurturing the association from 2007 to October,
2017.
On
this note, I wish to welcome all the conferees who have journeyed from all
parts of the country to Asaba. Mostly importantly, I welcome the two principal’s
speakers Prof. B.I.C Ijeoma and Dr. Godwin E. Edozie who are the key and lead
paper presenters respectively to our meeting and thank them immensely for
accepting to honour us today.
I
must not end this address without showing deep appreciation to the Local
Organizing Committee under the leadership of Mrs. Patience Achugu Onyema for
working tirelessly to ensure that, this conference successfully holds. My
appreciation also goes to the provost of the warm reception accorded us since
our arrival.
Thank
you and God bless us all.
Association for Sociologists of Education of Nigeria (ASEN) - 13th Annual National Conference
