ISBN 9789785997996
Pages 380
Dimensions 234x156 mm
Published 2023
Publisher Safari Books, Nigeria
Format Paperback

African Philosophy of Education

Issues and Insights

edited by Kola Babarinde, Oludare Okikiola Olufowobi

Given the facticity of human existence, granted that all humans find themselves within a peculiar social environment with specific cultural variables and given the fact that most social problems arise from the imposition of passion and emotion over reason, education becomes imperative in providing solution to the myriad of problems encountered by humans. It is in meeting the foregoing challenges that this book: African Philosophy of Education: Issues and Insights, edited by Professor K. Babarinde and Dr. O. Olufowobi, has focused on education from African Weltanschauung (worldview) in a holistic manner towards the quest for sustainable development in Africa, especially through indigenous education. This book is a welcome addition to the growing corpus of books on education and development as it provides a good basis for our being-in-the-world in Africa.

Olatunji A. Oyeshile, Ph. D.

Professor of African Philosophy and former Dean of Arts,  University ofIbadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.

This book, edited by two of the reputable and leading scholars in the field, provides an in-depth survey and critical assessment of the most pertinent issues pertaining to the African philosophy of education. It is a compendium that promises to be an invaluable asset for scholars, researchers, students, and general-purpose readers looking for insightful contributions on the subject matter. I, therefore, unhesitatingly strongly commend it to all.

Attahiru M Jega, OFR

Professor, Department of Political Science, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria, Former Vice - Chancellor, Bayero University, Kano, Former Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Former President, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU)

The ideas in this book have a hook on what you will never forget: the depth of the African philosophy of education. Authors of the 17 chapters articulate meaning, methodology, tools for examining philosophy, and functionalism in African philosophy. Indigenous education relates to holistic development. This book argues for a connection between cognitive knowledge and employable skills.

Khaemba Ongeti, Professor of Curriculum and Instruction, Dean School of Postgraduate Studies, Research and Innovation, Moi University, Kenya.

The book is a much needed contribution to the body of knowledge on African Philosophy of Education. In terms of philosophy, African education emphasizes communalism and the interconnectedness of individuals within a community. Education is seen as a collective endeavor, with everyone playing a role in the educational process. Although there are many challenges the continent is facing; the spirit of Ubuntu is part of the foundation of many, if not all nations. Challenges can be turned into opportunities if each of us embodies the spirit of humanity to others. African education is a rich and dynamic field that is deeply intertwined with the continent's culture, traditions, and philosophy. It continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of African societies, while also embracing the opportunities and challenges presented by technology.

Natasja Holtzhausen, D Litt et Phil (PAD) Professor of Public Administration and Management, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatheld, South Africa.

Here comes a rich compendium of essays by leading scholars of Philosophy as solid foundation stone for life and Education. The contributors have remarkably succeeded in bringing philosophy down to the level of the average reader. The book provides sufficient proof that philosophizing is not new to traditional African societies, all of which have promoted Education (in the full sense of the term) long before contact with a wide world, mainly through our colonial experience. Enriching the principles, processes and outcomes (and therefore, enhancing the functionality of our contemporary education systems should therefore borrow a lot more than just a leaf from our rich tradition. Here then is a well-researched, pedagogically well-presented textbook for the student, a within-reach source material for the teacher, and an invaluable guide to policy actors on Education. It comes readily as a must-have. a must-read, and a must-regularly-consulted easily-digestible book for us all.

Emeritus Professor, PAI OBANYA, Institute of Education, University of Ibadan.

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About the Editors

Kola Babarinde

Kola Babarinde is a Professor specialising in Philosophy and Sociology of Education with a research focus onthe Pedagogy of Higher Education. He is with the Department of Early Childhood and Educational Foundations, University of Ibadan, and former Foundation Director, University of Ibadan Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. He has prepared and trained higher education teachers in many universities in Nigeria and abroad over the last three decades. He was Ag. Head, Department of Teacher Education, University of Ibadan August 2006 - August 2008 where he initiated the first-ever induction ceremony for professional teachers in Nigeria in collaboration with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, (TRCN) and Nigerian Academy of Education. Visiting Scholar to the Department of Educational Policy and Leadership Studies, College of Education, University of Iowa, USA, September - December 2009, Visiting Scholar on Sabbatical to the Department of Curriculum and Teaching, University of Calabar, Calabar April 2011- May 2012, Visiting Fellow to the Center for Teaching and Learning, University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada May - June 2013, Interim CEO to the African Higher Education Summit with the theme: Revitalizing Higher Education for Africa's Future, March 10 - 12, 2015 in Dakar, Senegal and Visiting Scholar, Deusto International Tuning Academy, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain - March - April, 2017. He has collaborated with many institutions and organisations in Nigeria and outside in the areas of education in general and Pedagogy of higher education in particular. He is the current President, Philosophers of Education Association of Nigeria, (PEAN). He has been active across African countries e.g. Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana, Senegal, Tanzania, and South Africa in Pedagogical Leadership Workshops for African University teachers where he served as a resource person on How to Develop Personal Teaching Philosophy as well as Online Course Design, Facilitation and Innovative Assessment. He recently served as a Consultant to Edo State Ministry of Education on Repositioningher Colleges of Education. He is currently a Visiting Professor and Director Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Chrisland University, Abeokuta and the CEO of Faculty Development and Pedagopreneurship Consults based in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Oludare Okikiola Olufowobi

Dr Oludare Okikiola Olufowobi is an Associate Professor of Philosophy of Education in the Department of Educational Foundations and Counselling Psychology, Lagos State University. He had his Bachelor Degree in English Language and Education from the Lagos State University, Ojo and after that has pursued his academic career in Philosophy of Education. He bagged his Master's and Doctoral degrees in Philosophy of Education from the University of Lagos, Akoka and University of Ibadan, Oyo State respectively. He is a scholar who has devoted so much effort towards the advancement of knowledge in Philosophy of education. His area of interest in research covers ethics, epistemology and teaching. He has published widely both locally and internationally. He is a registered member of the Philosophers of Education Association of Nigeria (PEAN) where he was the National General Secretary for two terms. He is the immediate former Sub Dean of the Faculty of Education, Lagos State University, Ojo and currently the Coordinator of the Post Graduate degree programme.