Bukola Amao-Taiwo (Ph.D)’s Post

Go get this Ololade Ayelabola

Exciting News! 🎉 Thrilled to share another milestone in my journey of delivering value across diverse disciplines and sectors on my journey as a learning experience designer! This achievement is a testament to the power of lifelong learning and continuous growth. A heartfelt thank you to Dr Omolola Salako-The People's Oncologist for the incredible opportunity. Collaborating with your team has been an enriching and unforgettable experience. This project not only enhanced my skills but also deepened my empathy for individuals whose families are battling cancer or are survivors. It’s a reminder that beyond professional growth, true impact comes from understanding and supporting the human side of every challenge. Grateful for the chance to contribute and grow. 🙏 #lifelonglearning #empathy #growthmindset #cancerawareness #thankful #projectjourney

Ololade Ayelabola , a trailblazing recent graduate of the University of Lagos is attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the longest catwalk on the runway. But this isn’t just about setting a world record—it’s about showcasing the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of student fashion designers at our university. Recently, our esteemed Vice Chancellor, Professor Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola joined Lolade in a spirited and supportive catwalk video. This moment wasn’t just a display of solidarity—it was a powerful indicator of the type of student support that is vital for student entrepreneurs to thrive. When I discussed student support as a crucial variable in my PhD research on student experience of entrepreneurship education, this is exactly the kind of contextual indicator I had in mind. It redefines what student support can mean, going beyond the traditional frameworks to embrace initiatives that empower students, foster innovation, and celebrate their entrepreneurial journeys. Kudos to Lolade for leading the way, and to the University of Lagos for standing firmly behind our students’ aspirations! Watch out! Queen Lade will be attempting the Longest Distance Walked on a Catwalk by a Model as from the 29th September to 1st October, 2024. #EntrepreneurshipEducation #StudentSupport #UniversityOfLagos #FashionEntrepreneurs #GuinnessWorldRecord #Innovation #AfricanContext

June 2024 proved to be one of my busiest months this year. My team lead, Professor Adebisi Sunday Abayomi Adebisi had nominated me to play the role of Measurement, Evaluation, and Learning lead for an upcoming Technical and Vocational Skills School in South South Nigeria and scheduled to start in August. This project rested on the shoulders of the University of Lagos Entrepreneurship and Skills Development Centre and the goal was to deliver a curriculum that was inclusive, competence based, entrepreneurial and industry focussed with near instant impact. Aligning curriculum modules of different technical courses with the #UNESCO #UNEVOC #TVET framework while preserving local relevance was a source of inspiration because there was also need to ensure that the curriculum met the needs of the trainees. However, working closely with Professor Adebisi Sunday Abayomi, Dr. T'inu Lano-maduagwu and other respected professors who served as subject matter experts ensured a seamless execution of my responsibilities and it was indeed more of a learning experience for me. Fast forward to July 9th, when I had the pleasure of facilitating a training for over 50 University of Lagos staff who had completed an intensive three-month vocational training program in upcycling, food and confectionery, textile design, and chemical innovation, my previous MEL experience became a leverage for fostering innovation and entrepreneurial skills among these participants whose goal was to have a side business alongside their roles in the university as highlighted by Dr. Atinuke Lano-Maduagwu, the convener. Navigating the diverse backgrounds in the room required a dynamic engagement strategy. So I kicked off by using the #Eponimoru proverb story to illustrate effective stakeholder engagement and brand management. The event reached its peak when Professor Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola , the Vice Chancellor charged the participants on the critical role of innovation and customer centric behaviour in business. After her speech, it was a honour for me when the Vice Chancellor invited me to support Professor Adebisi Sunday Abayomi in shopping from the craft products exhibited by the trainees. This experience again became a lecture session as Professor Adebisi engaged the trainees on the application of useful negotiation skills in business as we engaged the exhibitors. Overall, witnessing the transformative impact of our training session, from fostering creativity to honing entrepreneurial acumen, was immensely rewarding. I look forward to continuing to support such initiatives that empower individuals to innovate and excel in their chosen fields. NB: Thanks Microsoft AI image creator for helping to visualise my Eponimoru concept. You can do better though!

Over time, when I invite friends, especially those in education and entrepreneurship, to join the Lagos Studies Association (LSA) conference, they often mention how the LSA themes fail to resonate with their fields of study. However, as a member of the Lagos Studies Association (LSA) since 2018, I've seen firsthand how the conference transcends traditional academic boundaries. Beyond paper presentations, it's a vibrant hub for growth, mentorship, and interdisciplinary networking. When I proposed hosting the "Teaching by Design" panel at the LSA Conference 2024, Professor Saheed Aderinto not only approved but also offered crucial support for its success. Today, I’m excited to share insights from our inaugural panel, which explored impactful teaching and scholarship backed by innovativeness and intentionality in it's design. *Our panel focused on practical strategies for enhancing teaching innovation including:* *Collective Learning and Inclusivity* Throughout the semester, promoting collective learning enhances knowledge retention and fosters peer collaboration. Emphasizing differentiated instruction ensures every student thrives, leaving no one behind. *Importance of Funding* Securing funding is crucial for promoting quality education. Justifying expenditures with comprehensive data is key to gaining support from funders and stakeholders. *Reflexivity in Teaching* Encouraging teachers to reflect on their practices and stay updated with the latest research ensures continuous improvement in teaching methods. *Entrepreneurship Education* Prioritizing practical education and team collaboration cultivates innovation and problem-solving skills, a crucial factor in finding entrepreneurship in every course of study *Dynamic and Effective Teaching* Implementing dynamic strategies like active learning and project-based approaches enhances student engagement and outcomes. *Engagement in Teacher Training* Providing practical teaching experiences builds confidence and competence among student teachers and early career academics, fostering their professional growth. *Technology and Internet Accessibility* Leveraging technology for enhanced classroom engagement and advocating for improved internet accessibility supports academic collaboration and research. Availability most times does not mean access and we should be deliberate in making access seamless *Spontaneity and Creativity in Teaching* Encouraging spontaneity and creativity keeps teaching methods dynamic and students engaged in learning. *Flexibility in Curriculum Design* Adopting flexible curriculum designs that cater to diverse learning needs promotes need based competencies, equity and inclusivity in education is key. If you missed this year's panel, we look forward to seeing you in 2025 with @Yetunde Alabede of Michigan University joining to serve as Co-chair. You don't want to miss out.,,,