By
Presented by Prof Kola Babarinde:
Protocol
The Chief-Host and Vice-Chancellor, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. C. A. Igwe,
Eminent Guests on the High Table,
Executive Committee Members of PEAN,
Fellows of PEAN,
Members of PEAN from all States of the Federation,
Distinguished Awardees,
Members of the Press,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.
On behalf of the Executive Committee and members of PEAN, I welcome you all to this year’s annual conference which is unique in many ways. Although it is the 41st annual conference of PEAN, it also marks PEAN’s 40th anniversary celebration which was initially scheduled for University of Benin, Benin City within October of last year, but had to be postponed till this year. Although last year’s conference was held virtually (on Zoom) as dictated by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the anniversary aspect was rescheduled for this year.
I congratulate and commend our members, of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka for accepting to host us and for working tirelessly to see it to success. Through them, I specially extend the appreciation of PEAN to the authorities of UNN under the dynamic leadership of Prof. C. A. Igwe for accepting to be our Chief Host and for extending the facilities and hospitalities of UNN to us.
PEAN is an acronym for Philosophers of Education Association of Nigeria—a professional/ academic association of thinkers, Scholars and academics whose primary training and interest is to reflect, engage, critique, analyse and prescribe in the different aspects of education—including goals, aims, purposes, contents, curriculum, methodologies, government policies, implementation and other facets of education. PEAN was established in 1980 through the initiatives and efforts of our founding fathers such as Prof. J. N. Omatseye (University of Benin), Prof. Jones Akinpelu (University of Ibadan), Prof J. D. Okoh (University of Port Harcourt), Prof. F. C. Okafor (University of Nigeria, Nsukka), Prof. Otonti A. Nduka (University of Port Harcourt) among others.
Welcome Address by the President of Philosophers of Education Association of Nigeria (PEAN) | Prof. Kola Babarinde
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PEAN parades a rich history of past Presidents, viz:
- Prof. J. N. Omatseye—University of Benin
- Prof. Jones Akinpelu – University of Ibadan
- Prof. J.D. Okoh – University of Port Harcourt
- Prof. Ayo Adewole – University of Jos
- Prof. Oluremi Ayodele Bamisaiye – University of Ibadan
- Prof. Adisson Mark Wokocha -Rivers State University of Science and Technology and Registrar/CEO, TRCN
- Prof. Orona Oroka – Delta State College of Education, Abraka
- Prof. A.O. Enoh – Cross River State University of Technology, Calabar
- Prof. Abubakar Bagudo – Usmanu Dan Fodiyo University, Sokoto
We are very proud of a rich and wonderful academic and professional heritage which has produced Nigerian Journal of Educational Philosophy on annual basis to its current 31st edition and a number of other publications in between, including the seminar publication on Philosophical Research Methods in Education, which has served as a major text for guidance into philosophical research in tertiary education in Nigeria. The publication has tried to settle the debate on the feasibility of a unique method of studying of Philosophy of Education and particularly in carrying out research works at Masters and Doctoral levels in the area.
We have received complaints of policies demanding that our higher education students and young colleagues must always and only conduct their research and write their research report in a particular way usually the socio-scientific/historical methods. This was described as “tyranny of socio-scientific research against Philosophical Research Method” in our publication. We wish to plead for openness and supporting policies by our Postgraduate Colleges and Schools and our colleagues in the Faculties of Education and beyond. Philosophy and Philosophers may be somewhat peculiar; although they might be argumentative, they mean well. They may demand for details, often intolerant of tardiness and incompetence; these should not be considered as negative. As John Gardner once cautioned,
An excellent plumber is infinitely more admirable than an incompetent philosopher. The society which scorns excellence in plumbing because plumbing is a humble activity and tolerates shoddiness in philosophy because it is an exalted activity, will have neither good plumbing nor good philosophy. Neither its pipes nor its theories will hold water- John W. Gardner, 1981
Openness to shades of knowledge and diversity in methodologies can only make the academy more productive and better. At any rate, all of us with PhD and those who aspire to this academic laurel should realize that PhD is an acronym for Doctor of Philosophy. Philosophy here means love of wisdom as conceived by great minds of Western Philosophy such as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle and their descendants.
Let me return to our 40th anniversary which we celebrate with a number of landmark activities including;
Welcome Address by the President of Philosophers of Education Association of Nigeria (PEAN) | Prof. Kola Babarinde
Philosophy of Education Association of Nigeria (PEAN) Vol. 33 No. 1, October 2022 | 3 - Unveiling of latest edition of our journal – Nigerian Journal of Educational Philosophy (NJEP) publication.
- Conferment of fellowships and awards to deserving members of the Association, State Governments, parastatal and an International NGO.
In our 41 years history, the annual conferences have been held across the length and breadth of Nigeria; from University of Benin to University of Ibadan, University of Jos, Usman dan Fodiyo University, Sokoto, University of Calabar, University of Lagos, Lagos State University, Ojoo, University of Port-Harcourt and so on. I am delighted to report that this is the third time PEAN is holding her annual conference here at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. This confirms the significance and strength of her members here at UNN and we are very proud of them.
The annual conferences have been used as opportunity to gather the best minds in Philosophy of Education in particular and other specialisations in Education in general together, first to examine current issues in Education and proffer policy directions and probable solutions to educational challenges. The annual conference is also used for annual general meetings where administrative and organisational matters are discussed and decided.
This Year’s Conference Theme
This year’s main theme is; Education, security, economy and viability of digital response. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a major challenge and traumatic experience to humanity and a unique experience almost without any similar direct experience to any living man/woman. It has affected education, economy and posed huge challenges to security of lives and property. Human creativity, knowledge and resources have been deployed to finding solutions to this health challenge. There have been non-pharmaceutical protocols to be observed such as face masking, social distancing, regular hand washing and sanitizing among others. Vaccinations have also been introduced to manage the pandemic and reduce mortality. Several million lives have been lost and the world is yet to fully overcome the pandemic. While I am not attempting to do the job of the keynote speaker and lead paper presenter in setting the tone for the conference, permit me to raise some tentative questions.
What is the metaphysical, epistemological and axiological implications of the pandemic? Has it altered our conception of man? Is man an animal or machine? On the epistemological side, what knowledge is of most worth? Is digital knowledge now more valuable than any and all types of knowledge? Does digital solution offer more viable outcome to all human challenges? What is the implication of this on our conception of right/wrong; good/bad and the definition of “the good life”? How safe and secure is digital space and the solutions it offers?
What is the role of education in our response to contemporary challenges? Can we continue to respond in the traditional ways and hope to get different results? What is the limit and possibilities of the aphorism; learn, teach, lead and survive or Do-nothing, whine, wail and die?
The Chief – Host, Eminent guests, members of PEAN, ladies and gentlemen, it is not my duty to give the keynote address, I have only attempted as a student of Philosophy, to raise some Philosophical questions to wet our intellectual appetite.
Welcome Address by the President of Philosophers of Education Association of Nigeria (PEAN) | Prof. Kola Babarinde
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Once again, on behalf of the Executive Committee of PEAN, I welcome all members and Conference participants from across the length and breadth of Nigeria to this year’s annual Conference and the 40th Anniversary celebrations. The Chief – Host and other dignitaries in attendance, I thank you all for your patience.