By Kayode Afolabi, Ibadan
The University of Third age, (U3A), Nigeria has said its has began its Online Academy which was earlier announced to commence September 24, 2022.
The President, University of Third age, (U3A), Dr Charles Israel Afolabi made this known in a conference meeting held at Golfview Hotel, Ikeja, the Lagos State Capital
According to him, "we received a nod from our Representatives from other countries to launch the academy
The Coordinator, U3A Nigeria International Office in Canada, Mr Babajide Afolabi while speaking at the event said the programme will help the government to cater for the senior citizens and every other aspects of the Society.
He also said that it will also help every aspect of government initiative to see that they are not abandoned
"The U3A was pushing the humble cause, having discovered there will be a mass retirement in the next few years.
“Once that happens, we should be ready to render help to the elderly ones to integrate and continue to live long productively in the society"
"The Senior Citizens could still be engaged after their retirement to share their knowledge and experiences with the younger ones, while also being productive in the society
“But, creating the awareness and knowledge that will help all our younger folks to be able to see and respect our Seniors on the streets, “ he said.
Afolabi stressed that Senior Citizens who have retired in some advanced Countries like Canada, Singapore, were brought together to be more productive in their respective societies.
He said that most of them were brought together as lecturers for the younger ones to benefit from their knowledge and experiences.
About the Online Academy, Afolabi said “We are going to have both online and physical centres where our seniors can come, stimulaté their minds, interact and study like it is in advanced countries.
“We do have almost five hundred courses now and most of them will be free for the basic users. Just like learning languages. It is lifelong learning, he said.
Newsline NG however gathered that U3A Nigeria, a Member of the Association of International Universities of the Third Age (AIUTA), which was established in 2007, is a multi-generational, promoting inter-generational programmes for the re-engagement of older persons who are transfering their dying vocations to younger generation.
The event was graced by dignitaries with the likes of His Imperial Manesty, Oba. Dr Olalekan Balogun, The Olubadan of Ibadanland (Father of the day), Prof. Francois Vella, The Global President of AIUTA from France, Representatives from other countries among others.
While Guest Speakers included, Mrs Bolatito Joseph, Zonal Director, Federal Radio Corporation, FRCN, Ibadan, Mr Odedokun Kayode, Director, National Orientation Agency, NOA, lbadan, Dr Abimbola Afolabi, University of Ibadan
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