Poetry as an Educational Transformative Agent: the Legacy of ỌlátúnjíÒpádò ̣ tun’s ̣ Ewì Àsìkò

Abstract

Education stands as the foundational pillar of a nation’s progress, tirelessly
working to cultivate well-educated, informed, and morally upright citizens who
embody personal and collective pride, honor, and a profound sense of identity
rooted in their cultural heritage. In Nigeria, a nation marked by rich diversity and
complex social dynamics, education is pivotal in fostering national unity,
economic advancement, and ethical integrity. However, not all educational
approaches are adequately equipped to uplift young people and adults in today’s
rapidly evolving, multifaceted society, where challenges such as social vices,
economic disparities, and cultural erosion persist. Only purposeful,
transformative education, designed with intentionality and cultural relevance can
achieve these goals, as ignorance or flawed educational systems often lead to
detrimental social, cultural, and economic consequences that undermine societal
progress his paper explores the critical and dynamic role of poetry as a
powerful, accessi le, and culturally resonant tool for transformative education,
with focus on l t nj p d t un’s Ew s k , a profound and impactful
collection of Yoruba poems. The study reveals that poets, through their creative,
insightful, and morally grounded works, consistently condemn pervasive issues
such as immorality, corruption, and social vices while passionately advocating
for ethical values, cultural preservation, and communal harmony. The paper
recommends the systematic and strategic integration of age-appropriate poetry
into educational curricula, from early childhood through adulthood, to nurture
moral development, deepen cultural awareness, and drive societal
transformation. The paper advocates that future generations should be equipped
with the knowledge, values, and resilience needed to build a more just, cohesive,
and culturally vibrant Nigeria, capable of navigating the challenges of the
modern world while honoring its rich heritage.