Obabori: Responsible Use of Technology in Education Will Help Girls Remain Relevant
In a country where girl-child education is threatened by widespread poverty, cultural and religious biases, insecurity and school attacks, and early child marriage, Dr (Mrs) Oyindamola Obabori has remained a
Dr. (Mrs) Oyindamola Obabori, near retirement from her civil service career, has dedicated herself to advocating for girls' education due to its benefits to individuals and society. Having spent her formative years supervising younger family members, she was destined to become an educator. After completing her degree at Obafemi Awolowo University, she chose teaching over a medical career, following her father's wishes.
As Principal of Queen's College, Lagos, since September 2022, Obabori aims to instill self-belief and empower students to stand out against societal norms. She emphasizes the importance of soft skills in educators, such as being a good listener, empathetic, compassionate, observant, and a role model. Rising insecurity in schools has led to reduced enrollment, particularly affecting girls.
To address this, Obabori suggests rebuilding parent confidence, improving communication about security measures, and providing alternative learning arrangements. She underscores the importance of educating girls as it transforms not just the individual but also their families and communities. To remain relevant in the technological era, girls must develop both digital and human-centred skills, including critical thinking, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and leadership abilities.
Queen's College has seen a reduction in bullying and gang violence, with Obabori highlighting the reduction of these issues as one of her milestones. However, the challenge remains to change the mindset of staff, students, and parents.
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