Ayo Tejuosho, CEO of the Ibadan Literacy Hub and former broadcaster, shares his journey from broadcasting to education, driven by a passion for literacy advocacy. IN this interview with SEGUN ADEBAYO, she revealed how she uses innovative strategies and technology to foster literacy development.
What inspired you to transition from a career in broadcasting to becoming a leader in education and literacy advocacy?
My transition from broadcasting to education was driven first and foremost by my passion for literacy advocacy. I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact literacy can have on individuals and communities and I find a career in education as an opportunity to positively impact the lives of children, youth, and communities through literacy initiatives.
Could you elaborate on the role of the radio program “Reading For Pleasure” in shaping your passion for books and commitment to bridging the literacy gap?
I grew up loving books and I always assumed that everyone shared the same love for prints as I did. I was very wrong! The people I encountered said books were boring and so would rather not engage in them at all. In 2015 when I started hosting the radio programme ‘Reading for Pleasure’ on Oluyole 98.5FM, I saw an avenue to show listeners a side of books and reading that they had not seen before. Parents, guardians and school administrators wrote me on many occasions telling me how their kids now enjoyed and looked forward to the programme.
How have you been able to transform Ibadan Literacy Hub into a trailblazer in literacy education since becoming its CEO?
I have been able to transform Ibadan Literacy Hub (ILH) into a trailblazer by implementing innovative strategies, fostering collaboration, and prioritising community engagement to elevate literacy education. We focus on leveraging technology, personalised approaches, and creative methods to enhance reading and writing skills. We prioritise teamwork and collaboration by using writing tools that allow multiple students to work together on writing projects in real-time.
In what ways have you incorporated technology and diverse resources into the holistic approaches for literacy development at the hub?
The role of technology in literacy and education advocacy cannot be overemphasized. We integrate technology and diverse resources by leveraging e-learning platforms, interactive apps, and partnerships to enhance holistic literacy development. We leverage social media platforms to create literacy-focused communities. On Instagram for example, we share book recommendations, writing prompts, and literacy challenges to maintain an ongoing dialogue with participants. We also host interactive webinars and online courses on diverse literacy topics. This we achieve by engaging experts and educators to cover various genres, cultures, and literary traditions.
What is your vision for literacy and education, and how do you champion inclusivity to ensure every child has access to quality education and literature?
My vision for literacy is a future where every child, regardless of background, has equitable access to quality education and a rich literary environment. This is achieved through building partnerships with communities, parents, and local organizations to understand specific needs and barriers to access, tailoring literacy initiatives accordingly.
How do you collaborate with government bodies, NGOs, and educational institutions to advocate for policies promoting literacy and access to quality education?
We understand the role that collaboration plays in advocating for policies that promote literacy. We actively participate in education forums, conferences, and workshops organised by government agencies, NGOs, and educational institutions. We use these platforms to share insights, build relationships, and advocate for literacy policies. Through strategic collaboration with NGOs that have a track record in literacy and education advocacy, we leverage their expertise, networks, and resources to amplify the impact of joint initiatives.
What challenges do you face in advancing literacy rights, and how have overcome these challenges?
The main challenge is community apathy towards literacy. Many people believe that as long as they’re enrolled in a school, literacy intervention is unnecessary even when their learning outcomes say otherwise. Encouraging community participation is often difficult due to lack of awareness, however, targeted awareness campaigns and programmes that align with community needs and interests often seem to solve the issue.
How do you envision the global expansion of Ibadan Literacy Hub?
Envisioning the global expansion of ILH involves a multifaceted approach, combining localised strategies with international collaborations. By embracing technology, forming partnerships, participating in global initiatives, and advocating for literacy at the highest levels, we believe that ILH can play a pivotal role in revolutionizing literacy education worldwide and promote a shared commitment to learning. A collaboration with organisations like United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), International Literacy Association (ILA), Global Partnership For Education, World Literacy Foundation, UNICEF, Room to Read, International Reading Association (IRA), etc can provide a platform for knowledge exchange, resource sharing, and collective action to address the multifaceted challenges of literacy on a global scale.
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