It was a moment of reflection as Prof. Toyin Falola, an African Historian, on Monday delivered the 5th Convocation Lecture of Chrisland University in Abeokuta.
The lecture themed: “Science and Value”, was delivered at the University Auditorium.
The dignitaries that graced the occasion were the Founder and Chancellor of the University, Dr Winifred Awosika, the Thespian, Tunde Kilani, JAMB Registrar, Academics within the state and beyond.
Falola while delivering his lecture urged Africans to differentiate religion from culture and stop debasing its cultural values.
The Professor of African Studies at the University of Texas, noted that indigenous languages should always be promoted.
He called on the youths in the continent to formulate indigenous solutions to every problem.
According to him, Africa, which is widely regarded as the birthplace of humanity had always been innovative since time immemorial, noting that the continent’s major problem was leadership that would nurture such innovations.
Falola opined that science formed the basis of innovations and Africa was not deficient in formulating ideas but lacked the ability to transform these ideas into reality.
He expressed dissatisfaction over how Africans had continued to debased their rich cultural values at the expense of Western innovations and culture, calling for a change in the narrative to protect African cultural values and identity from being destroyed.
On his part, the Pro-Chancellor of Chrisland University, Prof. Ayodeji Olukoju stated that Africa had been relegated, saying it was never too late to implement new ideas, therefore youths should incorporate African values into the innovations being adopted.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Chinedum Babalola, lauded the well researched paper presentation by the Guest Lecturer.
She explained that it would help to sharpen the knowledge of the 91 graduands who were graduating on Tuesday as Stars to the outside world.
