Renowned historian and public intellectual, Professor Toyin Falola, has called for a major paradigm shift in the way tertiary institutions deliver education, arguing that outdated, authoritarian teaching methods can no longer meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global learning environment.
Falola made the call while delivering the Babcock University valedictory lecture titled The Transformation of Babcock, held at the institution’s main campus in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State. The lecture formed a central part of the week-long transition activities for the outgoing President/Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ademola Tayo.
He stated that the rise of Artificial Intelligence, along with the shorter attention spans now characteristic of Generation Z and Generation Alpha, requires universities to rethink how knowledge is imparted. According to him, meaningful learning will increasingly depend on proactive, relationship-centred teaching rather than the traditional top-down approach. “AI is reshaping how knowledge is accessed,” he said. “More than 90 per cent of what you want to teach is already available through AI, and the shorter attention spans of Gen Z and Gen Alpha demand a more engaging, friendship-driven approach, not the old authoritarian model.”
Falola used the lecture to reflect on Babcock University’s journey from modest beginnings to a globally oriented hybrid institution. Drawing from his newly released book, The Transformation of Babcock, which is based on more than a thousand interviews with alumni, faculty and community members, he described the institution’s progress as a story of perseverance, setbacks and remarkable achievement.
He noted that the incoming President/Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olutunde Afolarin Ojewole, would inherit key legacies, including academic expansion, advances in medical education, full accreditation milestones, strengthened global partnerships and pedagogical innovation. However, he warned of significant challenges such as economic volatility, rising energy costs, unstable power supply and intensifying competition within the tertiary education sector.
To address these issues, Falola urged the university to pursue a US$200 million endowment, reinforce its alumni network and establish a Babcock University Institute of Innovation. He also advocated for stronger cultural diplomacy initiatives, sustainability programmes and continued engagement between faith and science.
The lecture provided an opportunity for Falola to present Professor Tayo with the Thabo Mbeki Award for Leadership Excellence on behalf of the University of Texas at Austin, with approval from former South African President Thabo Mbeki. The award recognises outstanding leaders dedicated to Africa’s renaissance. Additionally, His Imperial Majesty Professor Fuankem Achankeng I, Paramount Ruler of the Atoabechied Kingdom in Cameroon, conferred on Tayo the traditional title NkemMiaAkateh in recognition of his distinguished leadership.
Falola concluded with a clear message to the Babcock community: “We must move from authoritarian teaching to a model that values relationships, critical thinking and ethical formation. That is the path to sustaining Babcock’s legacy and shaping the future of higher education in Nigeria.
Prof. Toyin Falola delievering the Babcock University Valedictory Lecture, The Transformation of Babcock.
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