When the history of quality education in Colleges of Education is written in Nigeria, there is one man whose name will never escape being etched across the magnificent pages of its history: Dr. Kunle Ogunmola.
Ogunmola, who is currently the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Lagos State, is an internationally-acclaimed agriculturist, and fishery expert.
An indigene of Oyo, Oyo State, he was Provost,
Oyo State College of Education, now known as Emmanuel Alayande College of Education. He laid the foundation for excellent learning and teaching during his two terms in office.
A seasoned administrator, humanist, focused and committed community leader, he sees the youth as a veritable tool for sustained community development.
At 60, there is hardly anytime you visit Ogunmola at his Ladigbolu, Oyo residence at weekends that he is not surrounded by youths and elders.
Currently the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Oyo Anglican Diocese, Ogunmola does not discriminate of the basis of religion, as he relates freely and even support Muslims whenever the need arises.
Ogunmola speaks with BODE DUROJAIYE on challenges of life.
On his community
I have total commitment to my community, in spite of my tight scheduled duty in Lagos. Sleeping in my home town on any day has always been a genuine restful experience, being away from the hurly-burly of Lagos. My worry is the position of Oyo town in the comity of its contemporaries. The ancient town ought to have been developed beyond the level it is presently, whereas we have both illustrious and industrious indigenes both within and outside the government circles. Let me tell you, Oyo remains the only colonial district headquarters that is yet to be made a state capital. We have all what it takes to be a state capital. Contrary to insinuations, indigenes of Oyo town are focused and united on the development and clamour for the creation of new Oyo State, with Oyo town as capital. We are serious about it.
On religion and morality
Next to education, even ahead of education, and in some places in the country, including the Yoruba land, Nigerians see religion as a factor of development. This is because tenets of religions account for the adoption of certain patterns of behaviour. Therefore, religion and morality are expected to interact and influence each other, even preferably for the better, most especially during the course of man’s
development. With the Yoruba, like other Nigerian ethnic groups, morality is certainly the fruit of religion. The Yoruba believe that both are inseparable, because separating them will attract disastrous consequences. It is the belief of an average Yoruba man or woman that man’s character is of great significance because it is this that Olodumare (God) will judge. Hence good character must be the dominant
feature of a personal life, as good character attracts good
reputation.
Moral decadence
The moral decadence in the society is characterised by social vices, ranging from willful disobedience to legally constituted authorities, especially by our youths, civil disturbances occasioned by socio-economic, ethnic
and religious intolerance, wanton destruction of lives and property, assassination of people and so on.
Today, criminals use beautiful girls to snatch exotic cars, people place much value on wealth and material acquisition, rather than good name.
It is clear to see that Nigerians only practise their religions
without bothering to observe the tenets. Consequently, the various religions they practise have little or no positive impact on their attitude to life, character, and morality. Does religion really affect the morality of Nigerians?
Therefore, regardless of the proliferation of churches, mosques and shrines, moral decadence continues to exist the more in our society. It is quite shameful.
