On Thursday, January 9, 2025, a significant seminar took place at the Glass House situated at the Faculty of Education, 大香蕉视频 (大香蕉视频) as students across all levels of the Human Kinetics and Health Education (HKHE) Department were treated to a thought-provoking session on the career opportunities and importance of Health Education.
The seminar, organized by the Faculty of Education in collaboration with FABTOP LLC Consulting, New York, had the theme: ” Health Education: A Panacea for Nation Building and Career Development“. It featured an inspiring presentation by Professor Michael Akintayo, a visiting professor at the Metropolitan College of New York.
His presentation was not just a lecture, but an interactive session where students had the chance to engage with Professor Akintayo, ask questions, and gain insights into various career opportunities in the field of Health Education.
The event, which provided a platform for students to explore ways to leverage their academic training to make significant contributions to global health, kicked off with a warm welcome from the Head of HKHE Department, Professor Festus Adeyeye.
The Professor of Sports Psychology encouraged the students to view the seminar as an opportunity to expand their knowledge base and understand the pivotal role of Health Education. According to him, 鈥淯nderstanding health education is not just about academic pursuit; it is about making a tangible impact on communities and the future of our nations.鈥�
Delivering his lecture, Professor Michael Akintayo urged the students to consider careers in Health Education. A field that he believes holds immense potential for both personal fulfillment and societal transformation.
In line with the seminar鈥檚 theme, the Guest Speaker emphasized the critical connection between health education and national development, highlighting that it extends beyond individual well-being to empower communities and foster a healthier, more productive work.
Drawing on statistics and global data, Professor Akintayo who also coordinates the TST Employee Surveillance Unit/Respirator Program at Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, USA demonstrated the critical importance of health education in reducing preventable diseases, improving quality of life, and boosting economic development.
These statistics provided a solid foundation for his argument, showing that the health of a nation directly impacts its ability to progress and thrive on the global stage. He referenced studies that show countries with better health education programs often enjoy better health outcomes, lower healthcare costs, and more resilient economies.
His words: “The future of any nation lies in the well-being of its people and that well-being starts with education, especially health education. When people are educated about how to maintain their health, they live longer, contribute more to society, and inspire others to do the same. This cycle of health promotion leads directly to sustainable developments”.
Professor Akintayo also stressed the importance of adopting a proactive approach to health education, particularly in light of the rising challenges such as non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, which have become major public health issues worldwide.
According to him, 鈥渁ddressing these challenges requires the collective effort of individuals, communities, and governments, working in tandem to promote health awareness and preventive care鈥�.
The day鈥檚 discussions ended with a call to action by Professor Mercy Onwuama for the HKHE students to pursue their passion for health education, seize opportunities for growth, and become agents of change in their communities and beyond.
The highlight of the seminar made possible through the efforts of Convener, Dr. Aaron Akinloye from the Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education was the presentation of Certificates of Participation to the students, many of whom left the venue of the event with a renewed sense of purpose and a heightened enthusiasm to pursue careers that will shape the future of healthcare and wellness across nations.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Michael Joshua
