Gov.Otti: Keep Fafunwa’s Legacy of Education, Integrity Alive

The Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, has commended the Fafunwa Educational Foundation (FEF), the immediate and extended family of the late Professor Aliu Babatunde Fafunwa, as well as his protégés and former students, for keeping his ideals of integrity, curiosity, generosity and service alive.

Professor Fafunwa, a former Nigerian Minister of Education, was a renowned educationist and advocate of educational reforms, particularly the use of mother tongues as the primary language of instruction in early education in Nigeria.

Otti stated this in a post on his Facebook page following his participation in the 24th Annual Lecture/Symposium of the Fafunwa Educational Foundation and the 19th Annual Post-Doctoral Awards in Education, held at the Agip Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos.

“I was pleased to join distinguished scholars, academics, educationists, and other guests whose contributions enriched the intellectual conversations at the event. I reflected on the enduring legacy of our father and hero, Professor Aliu Babatunde Fafunwa (CON),” he stated.

The governor described Professor Fafunwa as “a man of ideas, a dreamer, a pathfinder and a firm believer in the power of education to transform lives and societies.”

According to Otti, Fafunwa’s legacy reminds Nigerians that true greatness is measured not by material possessions but by the impact one makes and the memories that outlive one’s lifetime.

“This year’s focus on the relevance of using mother tongues as the primary language of instruction in early education is particularly important. As we examine the evidence and learn from experiences across countries such as South Korea, India and China, I am hopeful that today’s intellectual exchange will contribute meaningfully to future policy decisions,” he said.

Otti also congratulated the recipients of the post-doctoral awards in education, reminding them that “the reward for a good job is more work.”

“Finally, I congratulated my dear brother and friend, Prof. Okey Ndibe, on his new work, Babs Fafunwa: A Mini-Biography for Youngsters, which will help introduce a new generation to the life and legacy of Professor Fafunwa.
“May the ideas, scholarship and memories celebrated today continue to inspire generations to come,” he added.