The Vice-Chancellor of Achievers University, Owo, Prof. Omolola Irinoye, has called on academic staff of the University to continuously build their capacity to meet the evolving learning needs of 21st-century students effectively. She made this charge while delivering her Welcome Address at the Opening Ceremony of the University’s 2-day Annual Academic Staff Retreat, held at the University’s CBT Hall on Monday, 10th March 2025.
Welcoming participants with joy and gratitude, Prof. Irinoye described the retreat as a moment of reflection, renewal, and rededication to the University’s shared mission of academic excellence and holistic student development. She emphasized that the retreat, marking the second in the series since her assumption of office, serves as a platform for educators to re-evaluate their roles and enhance their impact on students’ academic and personal growth.
She reminded participants, quoting Henry Adams, that “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” This, she noted, underscores the profound responsibility of educators, whose influence extends far beyond lecture halls to shape future generations.
In her address, Prof. Irinoye highlighted the rapid changes in the nature of learning, student expectations, and global educational trends, particularly with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI). She noted that AI is reshaping knowledge creation, assessment, and application, making it imperative for educators to evolve and adopt innovative teaching methodologies, interdisciplinary research skills, and adaptive mindsets.
She stated: “As educators, we must consistently reflect, engage in personal development, and strive for quality improvement in teaching, research, and community service. This is essential if we are to meet the emerging needs of today’s learners and the changing contexts of education and social development.”
Quoting Albert Einstein, she reiterated that “Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.” She stressed that Achievers University academic staff must go beyond transferring knowledge to inspiring critical thinking, curiosity, and a lifelong passion for learning in students.
Prof. Irinoye urged all academic staff to actively participate in discussions on pedagogical advancements, curriculum enhancement, and effective mentorship during the retreat. She encouraged them to embrace new strategies that will make education at Achievers University more impactful, meaningful, and transformative.
“Let us challenge ourselves to be better teachers, better researchers, and better mentors as we strive for excellence in all that we do,” she declared.
She concluded by reaffirming the University’s commitment to fostering an environment of academic distinction, innovation, and student-centered learning. She expressed confidence that the retreat would yield positive outcomes, reinforcing Achievers University’s status as a leading institution committed to producing well-rounded, globally competitive graduates.
