EKSU Faculty of Education Identifies Education, Patriotism and Discipline as Tools for National Security

The Faculty of Education, Ekiti State University (EKSU), has identified quality education, patriotism and discipline as essential tools for addressing Nigeria’s growing national security challenges.

A senior commissioned officer of the Nigerian Air Force and alumnus of EKSU, Wing Commander Ademola Ogunleye, made this submission while delivering the Faculty’s annual lecture, themed “Education for National Security: Schools and Citizenship as Pillars of Patriotism and Discipline.” He stressed that national security does not begin at the nation’s borders, as commonly perceived, but originates from the minds, values and conduct of citizens.

According to Ogunleye, Nigeria’s security challenges requires a collective response rather than being left exclusively to the military and other security agencies. He identified families, communities and schools as the primary foundations for shaping responsible citizens, noting that sound upbringing and quality education would promote respect for the law, discipline and patriotism.

The Air Force officer also recalled the setback suffered by Nigeria’s national security during the Civil War, which, he noted, placed the sovereignty of the country at serious risk. He therefore advocated a proactive approach to contemporary security threats through education, research and civic responsibility.

Ogunleye recommended that EKSU consider introducing Critical Thinking as a course of study, citing its relevance to developing deeper understanding, research capacity and practical approaches to addressing complex security challenges, as practised in many universities in the Western world.

In his opening address, EKSU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele, commended Wing Commander Ogunleye for his professionalism and service to the nation. He urged students to emulate the Air Force officer as an alumnus who continues to make the University proud on the national and international stages.

Professor Ayodele lauded the bold and visible steps taken by the Visitor to the University and Governor of Ekiti, Biodun Oyebanji at overhauling the state’s security architecture, which had been adjudged to have made Ekiti state one of the few most peaceful and safest states to live in Nigeria.

The Vice-Chancellor also commended the Faculty of Education for choosing a theme that directly reflects Nigeria’s current security realities and charged its lecturers to intensify research into how education can help reduce violent extremism, kidnapping and cyber fraud.

The Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor T.K. Akinwamide, said the security question had moved beyond the barracks into the classroom.

He noted that, as trainers of teachers and educational managers, the Faculty had recognised Nigeria’s worsening security situation as both a professional and curricular concern requiring rigorous academic research and appropriate educational interventions.

Earlier, Professor Ayodele had received Wing Commander Ogunleye in his office during a courtesy visit. Ogunleye congratulated the Vice-Chancellor on his second anniversary in office and commended his administration for transforming EKSU towards world-class status, particularly through improvements in the University’s academic standing, infrastructure and overall campus aesthetics.

The annual lecture attracted a large turnout of lecturers and students of the Faculty of Education, as well as principal officers of the University, underscoring the growing importance of education in confronting Nigeria’s multifaceted security challenges.