Professor Joel Obo Eriba, Provost of the Federal College of Education, Odugbo on Tuesday, 11th June, 2024 at the College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, BSU, Makurdi held the audience spell-bound as he delivered his inaugural lecture titled: “Improving Science Enrolment in Nigeria’s Institutions of Higher Learning Using the Persuasive Communication Model (PCM). 

At the 18th inaugural lecture of the University, Professor Eriba in his characteristic display of adroitness and mastery of his trade, demonstrated copiously with classical examples from research findings, trends and rationale for the declining enrolment of candidates into sciences in Nigeria’s institutions of higher learning. He noted that the goal for increasing students’ enrolment in science had remained unattainable for several decades since the enactment of the policy of 60:40 ratio in favour of science. Drawing reference from Benue State University, Makurdi, the Professor of Chemistry Education buttressed the fact that the institution at commencement in 1992 had zero enrolment into sciences whereas, there was a student enrolment of 380 candidates into courses in the Arts and Social Sciences. In identifying the rationale for the downward trend, Professor Eriba traced the problem to negative attitudes of students towards science. Explaining further, he alluded that students who possessed negative attitudes towards science showed that they had rejected the subject internally and it eventually manifested externally, too. He considered this development as a malady that needed an antidote.

In addressing the malady, Professor Eriba postulated the use of the Persuasive Communication Model (PCM) as a tool for use in positively changing the attitude of students towards Science. According to him, Persuasive Communication Model as applied by other researchers yielded profound results. Correlating the model with the declining enrolment into sciences in institutions of higher learning, Professor Eriba declared that there was nothing more powerful in life than to understand a person’s belief system. He opined that the knowledge and understanding of people’s beliefs could predict their attitudes towards their actions in particular situations. The Provost concluded that Persuasive Communication Model was found to be effective in changing students’ attitudes towards enrolment in science. This was from the outcome of his empirical research carried out using 1840 JS 3 students in 44 secondary schools in Benue State. In his recommendation, Professor Eriba emphasized that science teachers needed to demonstrate positive attitude towards teaching science and the students that they teach so that they could be encouraged to see science as a discipline they could aspire to participate in.

In his oratorically cladded anecdotal delivery laced with wisdom and wealth of experience garnered in the over four decades of teaching in higher institutions of learning, Professor Eriba demystified science in logical, simple terms that eliminated the complexities and technicalities of the jargons of science that may have hindered attention, assimilation and retention of his audience. Nonetheless, it was a richly encapsulated lecture but made it easily comprehensible for everyday application that would be beneficial to society.  

In an epic revelation of his early childhood and educational sojourn heralding the commencement of the lecture, the Provost noted that the precariously unfortunate circumstances that stared at him in his formative years almost debarred him from the privilege of accessing Western education but for the benevolence of God that showed forth for him at every junction of his educational pursuit. These made him to start Primary School at the age of 10 years! While he expressed his eternal gratitude to God, he was also quick to shower glowing tribute to the human vessels God positioned at various stages of his educational adventures. This ranged from his parents, family, teachers to employers and other destiny helpers.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Tor Joe Iorapuu who initially spoke through the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Professor Simon Ubwa, before joining the lecture from another official engagement noted with ecstasy the depth of research and the import for future enrolments into sciences. He appreciated Professor Eriba for the choice of the topic and the critical role attitude plays in our choices in everyday choices of life. Corroborating the position of the lecturer, Professor Iorapuu averred that the role of Persuasive Communication Model in improving science enrolment in institutions of higher learning cannot be overemphasized. The Vice Chancellor who joined the lecture in company of the Vice Chancellor and Principal of Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology (EBKUST), Sierra Leone, Revd. Professor Edwin Julius Jeblar Momoh challenged other Professors who were yet to do their inaugural lecture to kick-start the process in order to enhance the global reckoning and ranking of the University. The climax of the lecture was the joint presentation of plaque to Professor Eriba by both Professors Iorapuu and Momoh.  

Highlights of the event included procession of the Senate members of the University into the lecture venue led by the Registrar and recession led by the Vice Chancellor as the tradition demanded. There was also presentation by Cultural Troupe of the University. Guests were treated to a colourful reception with the family of the Provost led by his wife, Mrs. Christy Eriba entertaining guests with the rendition of a song expressing their gratitude to God for His marvelous works in the life of the lecturer and the family. On ground to grace the occasion were colleagues, friends, family, acquaintances and former students of Professor Joel Eriba. Also on ground were Management and staff of Federal College of Education, Odugbo where Professor Eriba currently serves as the Provost.