Pan-African Educational Synergy: NIEPA-Nigeria and Ghana’s IEPA Delegations Pay Historic Courtesy Visit to the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom

ONDO CITY — In a display of cross-border collaboration and deep respect for traditional institutions, the Management of the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA-Nigeria), alongside a high-level delegation from the Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (IEPA), Ghana, paid a historic courtesy visit to the palace of the Osemawe and Paramount Ruler of Ondo Kingdom, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, CFR, Jilo III.

The visit took place amidst the ongoing 2026 National Conference for Directors of Planning, Research, and Statistics (DPRS), themed, “Strengthening Education Data Systems for Evidence-Based Planning and Decision-Making.”

Setting a tone of deep cultural appreciation following formal introductions by NIEPA’s Registrar, Dr. Festus Olaolu, the Director-General and Chief Executive of NIEPA, Dr. David Shofoyeke, took the floor to express profound gratitude to the Osemawe for his unwavering support. Reflecting on his career trajectory, Dr. Shofoyeke noted that during his last appearance at the palace, he was in an acting capacity. Returning as the substantive Director-General, he lauded the monarch as a constant pillar of strength for NIEPA. Briefing the palace on the ongoing DPRS Conference, he noted that the steady increase in participants from across the country is a direct result of years of hard work yielding expected outcomes, reflecting the growing stability and progress of the Institute under his administration.

Speaking on behalf of the High Chiefs present, the Odofin of Ondo Kingdom, High Chief Akinsola Olaniyan, in the company of the Sasere of Ondo Kingdom, High Chief Johnson Adeduro, delivered an erudite address. He advocated passionately for “Africanism” in education, posing a thought-provoking question: Are we administering education the way it was taught to us by colonial systems, or the way we have organically understood it to be? He underscored the necessity for African scholars to drive educational narratives reflecting indigenous realities. To illustrate the deep-rooted value of community-driven education in Ondo Kingdom, the Odofin proudly cited the establishment of Ondo Boys High School in 1913—a pioneering institution founded entirely by the local community rather than the state government.

Deeply moved by the history and intellectual depth of the Ondo Palace, the Ghanaian delegation responded with immense appreciation. The Director-General of IEPA Ghana, Prof. Michael Boakye-Yiadom, accompanied by his Deputy Director-General, Prof. Alfred Ampah-Mensah, and the Head of Professional Development, Dr. Gloria Kankam-Boadu, spoke on the striking cultural similarities between Ghana and Nigeria. Prof. Boakye-Yiadom expressed his delight at being in Nigeria and commended the Ondo people for their rich heritage and warm reception.

In his closing  remarks, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Victor Kiladejo, commended Dr. Shofoyeke for the tangible progress witnessed at NIEPA and assured the Institute of the Palace’s continuous, unalloyed support. In a gesture of royal hospitality, the Osemawe presented the Ghanaian delegation with a comprehensive book titled, The Evolution of Ondo Kingdom: Over 500 Years (1510-2010+).

Bringing a lighthearted close to the evening, the monarch humorously referenced the recent football group match between Ghana and England, played on Tuesday, 23rd June, 2026, celebrating the resilience and beautiful display of the African spirit.

Alongside the Director-General and the Registrar, the NIEPA delegation included the Bursar, Mrs. Lolade Shitu, and the Institute Media Head, Mr. Bodunde Tenabe.

Adding to the significance of the occasion, representatives of directors and other participating officials from the ongoing conference also joined the historic visit, witnessing the rich exchange of ideas firsthand.