Iniola Olajobi is the executive director of the Brenny Educker Service in Lagos, which has helped schools and parents change their students’ and children’s academic performance over time. In this interview with TheCable, Olajobi talks about the founding of Olajobi, President of the Association of Educational Psychologists of Nigeria (ANEP) and the importance of educational psychology in improving the quality of education in Nigeria.
The Nigerian Educational Psychologists Association is ready to open. What does this association represent and what is its purpose behind it?
The Association of Educational Psychologists of Nigeria (ANEP) is a professional body for creating awareness. Our goal is to bring together professionals from all over the country and create a space for educational psychologists to exchange information, ideas, opportunities, and work together to solve problems in the learning environment. We also want educational psychologists to provide opportunities to apply their knowledge to improve society.
What role do educational psychologists play in the landscape?
First, educational psychologists develop systems and processes that improve education and improve academic performance. Next, we will use psychological theories to help children learn better and to address any learning challenges they face. We have also explored ways to improve the teaching and learning process, and all other issues related to academic progress. Educational psychologists also provide solutions to families, schools, and policymakers on the best ways to improve the sector.
If education psychology is essential for practical education in a country, what is the current status of this standard in Nigeria and how does it affect the future of the country?
In terms of educational psychology, the level of compliance in Nigeria today is tragically below par. There is a huge barrier between those who seek the help of educational psychologists and those who are trained to provide it. We can say that this obstacle is a lack of awareness. This lack of awareness and the lack of a licensing body has led to the creation of individuals who are desperate for help. Therefore, Nigeria’s future will be affected in the following ways: There are cerebral palsy because trained professionals believe that their help is not needed here and they are looking for green pasture; Cucumbers grow and many suffer because they do not have the right solution.
If you look at the education sector, do you think Nigeria is ready to compete for education in the future?
The world is growing at an alarming rate. Nigeria is still lagging behind other countries in terms of education. However, there is still hope for the country. With the right decisions and strategies, Nigeria can catch up with the rest of the world. ANEP hopes to contribute effectively to this goal.
What will happen to your advice to the government and schools about the importance of educational psychology?
The Association of Educational Psychologists of Nigeria (ANEP) wants to send an alarm to the government and schools. We want them to know that the world is changing and that education is not going to happen if we continue to be in control. Governments and schools need to be aware that it is important to include educational psychology in the field. In this note, ANEP would like to use this forum to urge the government and schools to work with us to revitalize education in Nigeria.
