This initiative, described as “unprecedented in the history
of tertiary education in Nigeria” by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Timothy Adebayo,
includes the standard degree certificate, a Mind Education certificate, and an
Entrepreneurship Training certificate.
A statement on Monday made available to PUNCH Online noted
that the announcement came during a visit by Mind Education experts from China
and Korea, who were at ACU to implement a mind education project.
Prof. Adebayo explaining the origins of this innovative
program said, “The Mind Education project began following my visit to South
Korea in 2023 to participate in the International Youth Fellowship (IYF)
program. Other Vice-Chancellors and heads of tertiary institutions from Nigeria
attended the program, where we observed how mind education is used to combat
social vices among the youth in Korea and other Asian countries.”
Impressed by the positive outcomes, ACU entered into a
Memorandum of Understanding with Mind Educators to introduce the program to its
students.
“We have since started training, and students will be
awarded certificates of international status upon graduation from the
university,” Prof. Adebayo added.
Meanwhile, the project coordinator, Robert Udo, shed light
on the program’s objectives.
He said, “The aim of this project is to reshape the mindset
of the youth to overcome social vices like sexual violence, drug abuse, and
other corrupt practices.”
He further explained that since its inception in 2001, the
IYF has helped many youths confront their challenges and integrate better into
society.
The Mind Education program at ACU involves various
activities designed to foster personal growth and positive mindset development.
“At ACU, we recently held a Mind Education Camp, employing
games, dance, lectures, and other activities to help students develop a strong,
positive mindset,” Udo stated.
Accordingly, the Mind Education course will be integrated
into ACU’s curriculum, with students required to complete examinations at the
end of their training.
This approach aims to ensure that ACU graduates are not only
academically proficient but also mentally equipped to face societal challenges
and contribute positively to their communities.
The initiative has garnered international support, with
volunteers from China and South Korea participating in the program.
These university students are “eager to make a positive
impact on other youths’ lives while also learning from their Nigerian hosts,”
Udo added.