OMOLUABI: Self Actualization and Communal Responsibility Dr. Segun Gbadegesin

In this power point, Dr. Gbadegesin speaks about the word, “Omoluabi,” which describes a person of character.  The presentation starts off with reference to ancient theology and philosophy. Dr. Gbadegesin focuses for a while on the Principles of Ma’at. These were guidelines by which the ancient Egyptians lived their lives, and it governed their society, laws and the way they interacted with each other and nature. The Principles of Ma’at was their ‘ten commandments.’ Also spoken of the is the Instructions of Ptahhotep and it is at this point that the word “character” is first mentioned in the power point.  We see that “character” holds great significance in meaning of this presentation. Omoluabi describes a person character, and, as we read on, it becomes clear that in this case “character” is equivalent in meaning to “integrity.” Also stated is that such a person has earned the respect of his community and peers through the integration of his education into his service to the community. It is then shown that “iwa,” which can be implied to mean “good character,” is central to many aspects of life including true beauty and religion. From here, Dr. Gbadegesin goes on to talk about the purpose of education and, by describing the commanding power of education in following slide, he manages to paint a picture of the fragility and acuteness of its impact on society. He finishes with description of the totality of university education, and the idea of the “Omoluabi” then fully comes together in a real sense.