From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
The Association for Formidable Educational Development (AFED) has tasked the federal government to blend the indigenous knowledge with the modern day innovations as a new policy reform.
National President of the association, Dr. Orji Emmanuel, gave the advice at the 2025 AFED African Education Conference held in Benin.
Giving his reason for the incorporation of the indigenous knowledge, he said Africa had been a hub of wisdom, resilience and creativity.
Dr. Emmanuel added that the country’s traditional learning systems, rooted in mentorship, storytelling and apprenticeship had shaped generations of leaders, innovators and problem solvers.
He pointed out that the nation must draw from this rich heritage while embracing technological advancements and policy reforms that make education more inclusive and impactful.
Speaking on the theme: “Education for all: Harnessing African Wisdom and Innovation for Sustainable Development”, he maintained that it reflected on belief that sustainable progress lay in blending indigenous knowledge with the modern day innovations.
While speaking on the roles of the association in the nation’s educational sector, he said that for the past 25 years, the association had been at the forefront of transforming low-cost private education, ensuring that millions of children, regardless of their background had access to learning opportunities that empowered them for the future, hence this year’s theme.
Also speaking, wife of former governor of Oyo State and national matron for AFED, Dr. Bukola Ladoja, said the government could not do all for its citizens, noting that it was for this reason AFED had been bridging the gap.
Dr. Adekunle Badmus, one of the panelists, advocated that the nation’s major languages, Ibo, Hausa and Yoruba should be used to impact knowledge in schools noting their ability to aid learnings.
According to him, as time progresses, other languages could be further incorporated to drive the process of learning in the country.
Another panelist, Dr. Seyi Makinde, during a panel session, said technology must be introduced into the educational system to drive knowledge. He also called for more investments in the education and healthcare sectors of the nation.