Poetry as an Educational Transformative Agent: the Legacy of Ọlátúnjí Ọ̀pádọ̀tun’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. This paper explores the critical and dynamic role of poetry as a powerful, accessible, and culturally resonant tool for transformative education, with focus on Ọlátúnjí Ọ̀pádọ̀tun’s Ewì Àsìkò, 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.