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.
