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

Breaking News Translate Select Language​▼ 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