The Future Belongs to the Thinkers - Dotun Ayeni
My 7-year-old daughter informed me happily a few days ago that her
teacher had told her that if the school had an award category for “best
thinker” she would get that award for her class. My daughter was of
course happy about this and was consoled by the explanation that the
school had no category for this type of award.
The available awards are awards for best behaved, super writer, super
reader, best student awards and of course early bird- and this my
daughter has cleverly informed me means nothing. Nothing? Yes she says.
It has nothing to do with your work in class. It’s for those whose
parents bring them early to school. Very early. Some of these parents
have to be at work very early and fortunately or should I say
unfortunately, their children get to grab the early bird award for this
feat.
This has got me thinking. I’m not so concerned about the early bird
award. My daughter believes it means nothing. I’ve told her it’s a way
for the school to instill a culture of punctuality in the children and
she should be pleased if she gets one. This is actually beside the
point.
I’ve been thinking about why a school won’t have an award category
for best thinker. Since the early bird category is a way to instill a
culture of punctuality, won’t a best thinker award instill a culture of
thinking and great introspection?
What do these children need most as they grow gradually into the world of work?
What has set great men and women apart in times past? What has
disrupted the world as we know it today? Why is there so much change
everywhere that we struggle to keep up and barely do? There’s so much
happening today, changing the way we transact business, the way we work
and the way we live.
There’s the internet of things making it easier for manufacturers to
understand the end user of their products and their behavior, social
media and messaging tools giving a platform to business men and women to
sell their goods and meet buyers who may never have known they existed,
new and improved technology making it easier for men and women to work
from different locations and time zones, technology that can simulate
the best classrooms and lab settings in the world.
Were these disruptions made possible by instilling a culture of good
behavior, punctuality, good handwriting or even good reading habits?
I don’t think so. This is not to say that the other awards do not
have their merit. They surely do. But I am also certain that the future
belongs to the thinkers. Those who will not be boxed into a corner and
accept things as they are. Those who are bold enough to challenge what’s
obtainable and create something unheard off. Something so outrageous
that you must be on another level to even conceive it.
People have been doing this. The ones who have changed our world from
inception have been the thinkers. People like Isaac Newton, Graham
Bell, Martin Luther King and even Edward Deci.
Our educational systems have been built in such a way that the
brightest ones with all the awards are at best a reflection of their
teachers. Students in universities have learnt to replicate what they
see and read, often regurgitating the mind of their lecturers to pass
their exams. Will these children ever come into their own in such
environments?
There’s been a lot of bold statements recently about successful
entrepreneurs without a degree. The danger is not in getting the degree.
The danger is how the system prepares children to follow rules, paint
within the lines and become a certain kind of person prepared for a
certain kind of profession.
The times have changed and it is time we made a change.
This is a message to all our educational institutions. It is time to
build a new breed of people starting from their childhood. We must not
just tell them about people who have changed the world. We must let them
know that they can as well. It starts with opening up the mind,
thinking and learning to challenge what they see, hear and know.
The future will belong only to these kind of people. It is time we
made a change and I don’t see a better place to start this than in our
schools. And maybe starting with an award for best thinker?
Suspend ongoing implementation of grazing reserves, CAN tells FG
On June 16, 20163:38 pmIn NewsComments
*Warns Aregbesola over looming religious crisis in Osun State
By Caleb Ayansina
ABUJA – The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), on Thursday, called
on the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government to suspend the
ongoing implementation of creation of grazing reserve for herdsmen in
all states of the federation, describing it an indirect way of
islamising Nigeria through violence.
Fulani herdsman watering his cattle on a dusty plain between Malkohi and
Yola town. The authorities blame nomadic Fulani tribesmen for an
increasing number of kidnappings for ransom in northern Nigeria. / AFP
Fulani herdsman watering his cattle on a dusty plain between Malkohi and
Yola town.
The authorities blame nomadic Fulani tribesmen for an increasing number
of kidnappings for ransom in northern Nigeria. / AFP
Arising from its two day National Executive Council Meeting (NEC), CAN
also warned Governor Aregbesola of Osun State against supporting use of
hijab in schools in the state, saying favouring one religion over
another would not bring peaceful coexistence.
A Communique jointly signed by the General Secretary of CAN, Rev. Musa
Asake and the Director Legal & Public Affairs of CAN, Albert Uko,
after the meeting at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, said issues
like recunstruction of North East zone, alteration of constitution to
give more power to sharia law, as well as persecution of Christians in
the northern part of Nigeria were part of the deliberation.
The statement read in part: “The meeting observed with serious concern
the bill in the National Assembly seeking to create Grazing Reserve for a
segment of herdsmen against the collective interest of farmers. The
criminal menace of these herdsmen is now affecting almost all the states
of the federation and one may be inclined to believe that this is an
indirect way to Islamise Nigeria through violence.
“The church calls on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to
suspend consideration of this bill in its entirety and call for
dialogue with stakeholders to give room for more inputs.
“The meeting noted with concern the recent High Court judgment in Osun
State on the use of hijab in all schools including missionary schools.
This development is unfortunate and may send a very wrong signal that
Osun State Government is clearly favoring one religion over the other.
The Osun State Government is hereby advised to be sensitive to religious
matters of this nature for peaceful coexistence.
“The meeting condemns totally the ongoing persecution of the church in
Nigeria, particularly those in the Northern Nigeria. The instance where a
Christian elderly woman is murdered in cold blood for complaining
against the blocking of her shop is worrisome.
“The situation where a Christian brother is beaten to a state of coma
for eating in the afternoon during Ramadan fast is a clear evidence of
the degree of intolerance of Christianity in some parts of the country
especially where Sharia law is given prominence.
“The church demands that the perpetrators of these dastardly and
barbaric acts be tried openly and punished to serve as a deterrent to
others.
“The meeting also painfully noted with concern the attempt to smuggle a
bill for the amendment of the constitution to provide for the criminal
aspect of the Sharia legal system in the NigerianConstitution which will
open doors for more persecution of Christians in Nigeria, especially
those resident within the jurisdictions where Sharia law is being
practiced.
“The meeting appreciates the Federal Government and other donor
Countries, Agencies and individuals on the proposed reconstruction of
the North East Zone hitherto devastated by insurgency activities.
However, its implementation must be seen to be fair especially to all
those who suffered the brunt of the deadly attacks. The members of the
Committee saddled with this responsibility must take critical note of
the real victims and be guided by their conscience.
“The meeting calls on all Christians in Nigeria not to give up on
peaceful coexistence and unity with themselves and their neighbors.”
The NEC meeting also conducted a successful election that produced Rev.
Dr Samson Ayokunle, candidate of the CCN as the President Elect and
Elder Prof. Joseph Otubu, of the OAIC as Vice President Elect for the
Association who will be inaugurated after the General Assembly Meeting
of the Association to be held at a later date.
The statement commended “the Government for allowing the church to
conduct a free, peaceful and credible election into the office of the
National President and Vice President as against the strong insinuation
of their interference in the process leading to the election.”
They however frowned at members of the Association “who without
exhausting in- house mechanism of Christian settlement of disputes among
brethren resorted to self help by going to court of law as against the
teaching of the Holy Bible.
“The meeting resolved that thorough reconciliation meetings be initiated
to bring back to the fold aggrieved members of the Association.”
Read more at:
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/06/suspend-ongoing-implementation-grazing-reserves-can-tells-fg/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
Suspend ongoing implementation of grazing reserves, CAN tells FG
On June 16, 20163:38 pmIn NewsComments
*Warns Aregbesola over looming religious crisis in Osun State
By Caleb Ayansina
ABUJA – The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), on Thursday, called
on the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government to suspend the
ongoing implementation of creation of grazing reserve for herdsmen in
all states of the federation, describing it an indirect way of
islamising Nigeria through violence.
Fulani herdsman watering his cattle on a dusty plain between Malkohi and
Yola town. The authorities blame nomadic Fulani tribesmen for an
increasing number of kidnappings for ransom in northern Nigeria. / AFP
Fulani herdsman watering his cattle on a dusty plain between Malkohi and
Yola town.
The authorities blame nomadic Fulani tribesmen for an increasing number
of kidnappings for ransom in northern Nigeria. / AFP
Arising from its two day National Executive Council Meeting (NEC), CAN
also warned Governor Aregbesola of Osun State against supporting use of
hijab in schools in the state, saying favouring one religion over
another would not bring peaceful coexistence.
A Communique jointly signed by the General Secretary of CAN, Rev. Musa
Asake and the Director Legal & Public Affairs of CAN, Albert Uko,
after the meeting at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, said issues
like recunstruction of North East zone, alteration of constitution to
give more power to sharia law, as well as persecution of Christians in
the northern part of Nigeria were part of the deliberation.
The statement read in part: “The meeting observed with serious concern
the bill in the National Assembly seeking to create Grazing Reserve for a
segment of herdsmen against the collective interest of farmers. The
criminal menace of these herdsmen is now affecting almost all the states
of the federation and one may be inclined to believe that this is an
indirect way to Islamise Nigeria through violence.
“The church calls on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to
suspend consideration of this bill in its entirety and call for
dialogue with stakeholders to give room for more inputs.
“The meeting noted with concern the recent High Court judgment in Osun
State on the use of hijab in all schools including missionary schools.
This development is unfortunate and may send a very wrong signal that
Osun State Government is clearly favoring one religion over the other.
The Osun State Government is hereby advised to be sensitive to religious
matters of this nature for peaceful coexistence.
“The meeting condemns totally the ongoing persecution of the church in
Nigeria, particularly those in the Northern Nigeria. The instance where a
Christian elderly woman is murdered in cold blood for complaining
against the blocking of her shop is worrisome.
“The situation where a Christian brother is beaten to a state of coma
for eating in the afternoon during Ramadan fast is a clear evidence of
the degree of intolerance of Christianity in some parts of the country
especially where Sharia law is given prominence.
“The church demands that the perpetrators of these dastardly and
barbaric acts be tried openly and punished to serve as a deterrent to
others.
“The meeting also painfully noted with concern the attempt to smuggle a
bill for the amendment of the constitution to provide for the criminal
aspect of the Sharia legal system in the NigerianConstitution which will
open doors for more persecution of Christians in Nigeria, especially
those resident within the jurisdictions where Sharia law is being
practiced.
“The meeting appreciates the Federal Government and other donor
Countries, Agencies and individuals on the proposed reconstruction of
the North East Zone hitherto devastated by insurgency activities.
However, its implementation must be seen to be fair especially to all
those who suffered the brunt of the deadly attacks. The members of the
Committee saddled with this responsibility must take critical note of
the real victims and be guided by their conscience.
“The meeting calls on all Christians in Nigeria not to give up on
peaceful coexistence and unity with themselves and their neighbors.”
The NEC meeting also conducted a successful election that produced Rev.
Dr Samson Ayokunle, candidate of the CCN as the President Elect and
Elder Prof. Joseph Otubu, of the OAIC as Vice President Elect for the
Association who will be inaugurated after the General Assembly Meeting
of the Association to be held at a later date.
The statement commended “the Government for allowing the church to
conduct a free, peaceful and credible election into the office of the
National President and Vice President as against the strong insinuation
of their interference in the process leading to the election.”
They however frowned at members of the Association “who without
exhausting in- house mechanism of Christian settlement of disputes among
brethren resorted to self help by going to court of law as against the
teaching of the Holy Bible.
“The meeting resolved that thorough reconciliation meetings be initiated
to bring back to the fold aggrieved members of the Association.”
Read more at:
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/06/suspend-ongoing-implementation-grazing-reserves-can-tells-fg/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
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Suspend ongoing implementation of grazing reserves, CAN tells FG
On June 16, 20163:38 pmIn NewsComments
*Warns Aregbesola over looming religious crisis in Osun State
By Caleb Ayansina
ABUJA – The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), on Thursday, called
on the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government to suspend the
ongoing implementation of creation of grazing reserve for herdsmen in
all states of the federation, describing it an indirect way of
islamising Nigeria through violence.
Fulani herdsman watering his cattle on a dusty plain between Malkohi and
Yola town. The authorities blame nomadic Fulani tribesmen for an
increasing number of kidnappings for ransom in northern Nigeria. / AFP
Fulani herdsman watering his cattle on a dusty plain between Malkohi and
Yola town.
The authorities blame nomadic Fulani tribesmen for an increasing number
of kidnappings for ransom in northern Nigeria. / AFP
Arising from its two day National Executive Council Meeting (NEC), CAN
also warned Governor Aregbesola of Osun State against supporting use of
hijab in schools in the state, saying favouring one religion over
another would not bring peaceful coexistence.
A Communique jointly signed by the General Secretary of CAN, Rev. Musa
Asake and the Director Legal & Public Affairs of CAN, Albert Uko,
after the meeting at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, said issues
like recunstruction of North East zone, alteration of constitution to
give more power to sharia law, as well as persecution of Christians in
the northern part of Nigeria were part of the deliberation.
The statement read in part: “The meeting observed with serious concern
the bill in the National Assembly seeking to create Grazing Reserve for a
segment of herdsmen against the collective interest of farmers. The
criminal menace of these herdsmen is now affecting almost all the states
of the federation and one may be inclined to believe that this is an
indirect way to Islamise Nigeria through violence.
“The church calls on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to
suspend consideration of this bill in its entirety and call for
dialogue with stakeholders to give room for more inputs.
“The meeting noted with concern the recent High Court judgment in Osun
State on the use of hijab in all schools including missionary schools.
This development is unfortunate and may send a very wrong signal that
Osun State Government is clearly favoring one religion over the other.
The Osun State Government is hereby advised to be sensitive to religious
matters of this nature for peaceful coexistence.
“The meeting condemns totally the ongoing persecution of the church in
Nigeria, particularly those in the Northern Nigeria. The instance where a
Christian elderly woman is murdered in cold blood for complaining
against the blocking of her shop is worrisome.
“The situation where a Christian brother is beaten to a state of coma
for eating in the afternoon during Ramadan fast is a clear evidence of
the degree of intolerance of Christianity in some parts of the country
especially where Sharia law is given prominence.
“The church demands that the perpetrators of these dastardly and
barbaric acts be tried openly and punished to serve as a deterrent to
others.
“The meeting also painfully noted with concern the attempt to smuggle a
bill for the amendment of the constitution to provide for the criminal
aspect of the Sharia legal system in the NigerianConstitution which will
open doors for more persecution of Christians in Nigeria, especially
those resident within the jurisdictions where Sharia law is being
practiced.
“The meeting appreciates the Federal Government and other donor
Countries, Agencies and individuals on the proposed reconstruction of
the North East Zone hitherto devastated by insurgency activities.
However, its implementation must be seen to be fair especially to all
those who suffered the brunt of the deadly attacks. The members of the
Committee saddled with this responsibility must take critical note of
the real victims and be guided by their conscience.
“The meeting calls on all Christians in Nigeria not to give up on
peaceful coexistence and unity with themselves and their neighbors.”
The NEC meeting also conducted a successful election that produced Rev.
Dr Samson Ayokunle, candidate of the CCN as the President Elect and
Elder Prof. Joseph Otubu, of the OAIC as Vice President Elect for the
Association who will be inaugurated after the General Assembly Meeting
of the Association to be held at a later date.
The statement commended “the Government for allowing the church to
conduct a free, peaceful and credible election into the office of the
National President and Vice President as against the strong insinuation
of their interference in the process leading to the election.”
They however frowned at members of the Association “who without
exhausting in- house mechanism of Christian settlement of disputes among
brethren resorted to self help by going to court of law as against the
teaching of the Holy Bible.
“The meeting resolved that thorough reconciliation meetings be initiated
to bring back to the fold aggrieved members of the Association.”
Read more at:
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/06/suspend-ongoing-implementation-grazing-reserves-can-tells-fg/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
