26/05/2026
Advertising association president advised AFUED students against use of cellphone during lecture hours.
The President of the Out-Of-Home Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN), Otunba (Dr.) Olusola Isaac Akinsiku, has advised students of Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED) Ondo against the use of cellphone (a digital technology device) during lecture hours, in order not to be distracted, while listening to their lecturers.
Otunba Akinsiku gave the advice on Thursday May 22, 2026, while delivering the 62nd Founders Day Lecture of the institution, which held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Auditorium in the University.
Speaking on the theme of the lecture: "Winning The Minds of Our Students in The Distracted World and Crafting The AFUED Narrative in The Next 20 Years", the OAAN President acknowledged the relevance of digital technology in contemporary society, especially the use of cellphone, he, however, expressed serious concern about what he observed as negative consequences, which have become the albatross of those addicted to them.
According to him, "our enemy is not technology itself, but the cognitive fragmentation that accompanies it".
While acknowledging the supporting role which Artificial intelligence (AI) play in education, the renowned Advertising practitioner, however, advised students to prioritise their time very well, by ensuring that they do not substitute their lecturers for AI nor regard it as alternative, while searching for additional knowledge.
The OAAN President stressed the need for lecturers in the institution to seek constantly for knowledge and embrace new method of teaching by focusing more attention on "how to win the minds of their students".
In addition, Akinsiku, a member of the Ondo Development Committee (ODC), also urged Management of AFUED to explore more ways through which the institution could secure attention of prospective students, parents and members of its Alumni association through aggressive marketing of its potentials and achievements.
The renowned Public Relations expert spoke extensively on several topical issues, theories and models in public relations and urged Management of AFUED to ensure that they provide good training to their students "in order for them to influence the society".
His words : "Our proof will be our graduates, by 2046, the broader academic community should point to an AFUED Alumnus leading a rural school that outperform its urban counterparts, or cite an AFUED research centre as the catalyst for improving teacher retention across Nigeria by 30% " he remarked.
On how the University could sustain the greatness achieved so far and the one it expects to achieve in the future, the one-time President of Rotary Club of Ikeja (District 9111, Nigeria), suggested the implementation of a curriculum that adapts by introducing courses on " neuroscience of focus, media literacy and low- distraction instructional design ".
In addition, Akinsiku, also harped on the need for beautification of the University environment saying "we will make our environmental and instructional beauty non-negotiable, as beauty naturally commands attention and signals that the work we do here matters deeply".
In his address on the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor AFUED, Prof. Bayode Isaiah Popoola, described the occasion as memorable and lauded the institution's founding fathers for their vision in establishing the institution.
Going memory lane, Prof. Popoola said, "from modest beginning, the institution has grown steadily through dedication, resilience and visionary leadership into one of Nigeria's most respected centre of academic excellence in teacher education.
In addition, the University Administrator, also stated that the institution has produced generations of distinguished educators, Administrators, scholars and professionals, who have contributed meaningfully to national and global advancements.
Prof. Popoola lauded the institution's Alumni association for contributions made to the progress of the institution especially the role played during the period leading to its upgrade to a full-fledged University.
The renowned scholar, described the theme of the founders' day lecture as apt and timely, saying its title deeply reflects the realities confronting higher education globally.
According to him, "we live in an age defined by rapid technological changes, competing digital influences, shrinking attention spans and evolving expectations of young people, in such a world, Universities must go beyond mere transmission of knowledge, we must inspire minds, shape characters, cultivate creativity and prepare students to become globally competitive and responsible citizens", he remarked.
In his remarks, the global President, Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED) Alumni Association, Dr. Olowogboyega Festus Oyebade, expressed gratitude to God for preserving the institution since its establishment 62 years ago.
Olowogboyega also lauded the institution's founding fathers and people of Ondo community for having the vision to establish the institution, which he said has produced intellectuals of high capacity, holding their heads high in different strata of appointments both within Nigeria and outside".
His words: "We have got Vice-Chancellors of Universities, we have got senior professors, research fellows from various institutions, we have got ambassadors, Commissioners, Ministers as well as members of House of Representatives to mention but few".
The one-time Head of Service in Osun State, expressed importance of education in society, describing it as a means through, which the poor could be lifted from "proverty to wealth, obscurity to prosperity; stating that for the goal to be achieved, government at all levels should pay more attention to security of lives and prosperity "on our campuses and schools".
The AFUED Alumni Association President pledged continued assistance to the University saying"the Alumni council will continue to support the school and raise its flag high anywhere we find ourselves".
The climax of the colourful event attended by eminent personalities from traditional and educational institutions, political circle, members of AFUED Alumni association home and In-diaspora, was the presentations of gifts items by the AFUED Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bayode Isaiah Popoola to several distinguished personalities which included the traditional ruler of Oniseere community in Odigbo Local Government, Ondo State, His Royal Majesty Oba Olafusi Johnson Gbemi; Global President AFUED Alumni association, Dr. Olowogboyega Festus Oyebade and Chairman of the occasion, Chief Mrs. Adeola Anne Akinseloyin among others.
