WARRI– The College of Education, Warri on Tuesday held its 10th inaugural lecture series with a call for literature to be made a compulsory subject in Nigerian schools to tackle the country’s deepening value crisis.
The lecture, titled _“From Text to Transformation: Literature and the Crisis of Values in Nigeria”_, was delivered by Dr. Izehiese Ojogan, Chief lecturer in English and literature department of English at the institution.
Dr. Ojogan argued that Nigeria’s core values have been eroded and the nation urgently needs value re-orientation. She said literature remains a powerful tool for re-engineering the national psyche, shaping character, preserving values, and inspiring positive transformation.
To achieve this, she advocated making literature a core component of the General Studies programme and, like English Language and Mathematics, a compulsory subject at all levels due to its immense societal benefits.
Chairing the event, Provost of COE Warri, Dr. Dickson Oyovwi, described the occasion as a milestone in the college’s academic journey. He noted that inaugural lectures celebrate scholarship, research, and innovation while giving accomplished scholars a platform to propose solutions to contemporary issues.
Dr. Oyovwi commended Dr. Ojogan for her dedication to scholarship and described the lecture topic as timely, given the moral, social, and cultural challenges facing the country. He stressed that literature plays a critical role in social re-engineering.
The General Overseer of Word of Life Bible Church, Warri, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, was also in attendance and prayed for the institution, its staff and students. Former Provost, Prof. Mary Edema, alongside the Deputy Provost, Provost-Elect, Registrar, Bursar, College Librarian, Deans, Directors, HODs, Chief Lecturers, students, and the lecturer’s husband, were present.
Highlights of the event included the launching of reading books by the English and literature department of English and cultural displays.
The 10th lecture in the series reaffirmed College of Education Warri’s commitment to academic excellence and using scholarship to address Nigeria’s societal challenges.
