In a keynote address at Covenant University on his 70th birthday, Bishop David Oyedepo made a compelling call for Africa to rethink its education system. Speaking on the topic “There Must be a SHIFT in our Education System,” Oyedepo emphasized the need for Africa to create an education model tailored to its unique challenges, urging a departure from outdated and foreign-driven frameworks. His speech complemented the earlier lecture by Prof. Peter Okebukola, “The Black Race and Leadership,” focusing on the role of education in shaping leadership and development across the continent.
Oyedepo’s remarks struck a chord with his audience, stressing the urgency of transforming Africa’s education system to one that fosters innovation, productivity, and leadership. He highlighted that education in many African countries is still rooted in certificate acquisition, rather than skill development and contribution to society. “We must shift from certificate-driven education to contribution-driven education,” Oyedepo said. He called on African leaders to ensure that students are equipped not just with degrees but with the skills to solve real-world problems.
Challenges with Africa’s Education System
Bishop Oyedepo described a worrying trend in African education: many students pursue degrees without a clear sense of purpose. He illustrated this with examples of students who earn advanced degrees but cannot articulate how their education would translate into tangible contributions to society. “What’s your mission? What’s your contribution?” he asked. Oyedepo emphasized that education should be about more than earning credentials; it must inspire students to develop skills that will benefit their communities and the broader world.
Drawing from nature, Oyedepo made a powerful analogy about contribution, explaining that every living thing—plants, animals, and humans—sustains life through contributions. He compared this to education, insisting that the purpose of learning should be to contribute meaningfully to society.
A Call for Indigenous Solutions
A major theme of Oyedepo’s address was the need for Africa to move away from Western education models and develop indigenous solutions tailored to the continent’s specific needs. “Imported content won’t help us,” Oyedepo declared. He criticized the tendency of African nations to adopt foreign education systems that fail to address the unique challenges faced by African societies. “It’s like specializing in winter clothes in Nigeria—you’ll go bankrupt from the start,” he said, underscoring the disconnect between foreign curricula and African realities.
Oyedepo stressed the importance of creating education systems that address local challenges in industries like agriculture, commerce, and engineering. He called for a shift toward a more practical, solution-driven education that enables students to develop skills and create solutions for Africa’s problems. “We need faster ways of learning,” he emphasized, warning that without immediate reforms, Africa risks being left behind in the global knowledge economy.
Covenant University as a Model
In his speech, Oyedepo pointed to Covenant University as a model of what can be achieved when education is focused on contribution and leadership. Since its inception, the university has been known for its commitment to raising leaders equipped to transform Africa. Oyedepo praised the institution’s unapologetic departure from traditional education models, focusing instead on developing practical skills and leadership abilities.
“Our education model has no foreign funding,” Oyedepo proudly stated, highlighting the university’s self-reliance and commitment to homegrown solutions. He urged other African educational institutions to follow suit by developing curricula that align with local needs and priorities, instead of relying on foreign aid or adopting foreign educational frameworks.
The Role of Universities in Leadership
Throughout his address, Bishop Oyedepo emphasized the responsibility of universities to lead in the development of indigenous solutions. He argued that universities should serve as “problem-solving centers” where public and private institutions seek advice and innovation to tackle Africa’s pressing challenges. “Universities should be consulting centers for government and industry,” he stated, calling for a fundamental rethink of how universities operate in Africa.
Oyedepo’s remarks were a continuation of the discussion initiated by Prof. Peter Okebukola, whose lecture, “The Black Race and Leadership,” explored the crisis of leadership in Africa. Both speeches underscored the central role that education plays in shaping future leaders. Oyedepo’s challenge to African institutions was clear: they must foster creativity, innovation, and leadership if Africa is to realize its potential.
A Vision for the Future
Bishop Oyedepo’s speech was not just a critique of the current state of education in Africa; it was also a vision for the future. He called on educators, leaders, and policymakers to develop faster, more efficient ways of learning that equip students to address Africa’s unique challenges. “We must develop faster ways of learning,” he said, warning that time is running out for Africa to make the necessary reforms.
As the audience applauded, Oyedepo’s message remained clear: Africa must embrace an education model that prioritizes contribution, leadership, and indigenous solutions. Without this shift, he warned, the continent could lose its place in the global knowledge economy.