Lagos: Omniversity Imperial College has conferred honourary fellowships, practice-based qualifications, and academic titles on individuals across various sectors. The President, Omniversity Imperial College, Prof. Tokunbo Akeredolu-Ale, made this known at the African Innovation Workshop 2025 and ISO-Aligned Practice Qualifications Conferment in Lagos on Friday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the workshop had the theme: ‘Revolutionising Nigeria’s Education and Workforce Development’. Prof. Akeredolu-Ale announced that 17 honourary fellowship awardees were recognized, with 13 attending in person, alongside four professors of practice and two doctors of practice. The awardees include Dr Dakuku Peterside, Mrs Janet Onaolapo, Dr Folarin Afelumo, Dr Wasiu Taiwo, Mr Fedelis Nworu, Mr Olawanle Moronkeji, Mr Omotade Oke-Egbe, and others.
The four professors of practice honored were Capt. Oladeji Folayan, Prof. Wole Osatimeyin, Dr Gabriel Oyediji, and Dr Ibukunoluwa Oremidu. The two doctors in practice recognized were Dr Abubakar Aliyu and Dr Stephen Oniya. Akeredolu-Ale, also the college’s Chairman, Board of Trustees, emphasized the importance of evaluating practice knowledge, highlighting a shift from traditional classroom teaching.
He expressed hope that through such initiatives, skills and practical knowledge could be validated and matched with an established practice framework. He also highlighted the workshop as part of a series of African innovative workshops planned for the future, aiming to focus on practical qualifications over theoretical knowledge.
Akeredolu-Ale urged the Minister of Education to partner with the college to integrate practice qualifications into the educational framework, emphasizing their significance for Nigeria and Africa’s development. Guest Lecturer Prof. Francis Toromade, a Professor of Practice in Strategy Management at Omniversity Imperial College, stressed the importance of recognizing skills that add value beyond mere certification.
Prof. Toromade, who also serves as a Deputy Commissioner of Police, advocated for government support in funding and accrediting prior learning and skills recognition. He encouraged a practical approach within the university system, integrating real-world experience with academic study.