SDG 4: QUALITY EDUCATION Report of Activities in 2024/2025 Session
The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education team of the university in 2024/2025 was led by Dr Sola Owolabi from the University Library Unit. The team engaged in monthly meeting to plan and strategize on relevant educational activities especially for staff, staff’s children and the those outside the University community.
The team enlighten its members on the main focus of quality education some of which include the principle of equality, equity, inclusivity and life-long learning, good quality, as well as good quality and quantity of teachers, school infrastructure, digital transformation, high cost of education and free education. All these drive the activities of the team. Some of the main activities carried out by SDG 4 team in the year under study are described below:
International Day of Libraries at Babcock University
In October 2024, Babcock University celebrated the International Day of Libraries, and the Team lead of Bells University SDG 4 was invited to give the Keynote Address. The theme focused on Empowering Communities through Knowledge Sharing in the Digital Era. It was an opportunity to interact with eggheads and philosophers in the fields of Librarianship. The University Librarian Professor Clara C. Okoro noted that knowledge sharing plays a vital role in community development.
The keynote address emphasized the importance of digital technology to knowledge sharing with focus on helping students to access information that could help them to surmount juvenile delinquencies and other crimes. Exploring Bibliotherapy and Cinematherapy as Intervention on Cognitive Dissonance among Students in Higher Institutions was well discussed. The key take home is promoting preventive bibliotherapy and cinematherapy. This implies that when students are given treatment that could help them prevent some pitfalls in their academic journey, we may not spend so many resources or rehabilitative therapy. Expulsion, suspension and other measures may be reduced if we engage the use of preventive bibliotherapy. The digital era has made it easy for us to reach wider audience in applying whatever intervention programme for students and this is the beauty of the digital era.
The event was graced by the President/Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ademola S. Tayo ably represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Philemon O. Amanze. It was also exciting meeting a notable legend in Library and Information Science in Nigeria, Dr. Taofeek M. Salisu. He was awarded alongside other honorees at the event. Members of the Executive, NLA Ogun State Chapter were on ground to grace the occasion.
Read, Reflect and Rise Bootcamp
A Bootcamp titled Read, Reflect and Rise was held at the Bells University of Technology Library, Ota, Ogun State, from Monday, 11th August to Friday, 22nd August, 2025. The programme, which excluded weekends, was conceived to engage children and teenagers productively during their holiday, while instilling in them the values of reading, reflection, and academic pursuit. The participants were drawn from within and outside the University community, spanning ages 5 to 17.
Objectives of the Bootcamp
The primary objectives of the Bootcamp were:
- To cultivate in young learners the habit of reading and self-reflection as essential tools for personal and academic growth.
- To inspire resilience, determination, and focus in the face of challenges through the innovative use of Human Library sessions.
- To encourage participants to embrace scientific reasoning, creativity, and critical thinking.
- To create a nurturing platform where children and teenagers could interact with mentors, learn from lived experiences, and rise above limitations.
The Bootcamp combined reading, reflection, and mentorship sessions. A major highlight was the introduction of the Human Library concept, which made learning both personal and deeply impactful.
The Human Books at the Bootcamp
- Dr. Adeola Ayano: shared her journey of resilience in attaining a Ph.D. in Nutrition despite obstacles.
- Miss Ayomide Yusuf: a First-Class graduate of Electrical Engineering, whose story of focus and determination inspired participants.
- Mr. Sean: guided participants through scientific reasoning, stimulating curiosity and problem-solving skills.
In addition, participants engaged in interactive reading sessions, reflective exercises, and creative group activities tailored to their age groups.
Special Visit to the Vice-Chancellor’s Office
A notable feature of the Bootcamp was the courtesy visit by participants to the Vice-Chancellor of Bells University of Technology. The Vice-Chancellor warmly welcomed the children and shared his inspiring personal story of youthful vision, determination, and resilience. He encouraged the participants to set lofty
Figure 2 (a-c). Bootcamp titled Read, Reflect and Rise