Obasanjo urges greater investment in education, commissions school laboratories in Ibadan
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has stressed the need for individuals and institutions to prioritise education, warning that any nation that neglects the sector is bound to fail. Obasanjo spoke while
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has stressed the need for individuals and institutions to prioritise education, warning that any nation that neglects the sector is bound to fail.
Obasanjo spoke while commissioning newly renovated and fully equipped Chemistry and Biology laboratories at African Church Grammar School Senior, Apata Ganga, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The facilities were donated by Dr. Adefisayo Oduwole of the school’s 1976 set to commemorate the institution’s 50th anniversary.
The former president described the gesture as commendable and urged well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the benefactor in efforts to improve the standard of education in the country.
According to him, there is no end to learning, adding that sustained investment in education remains essential for national development.
“What we are doing here today is unique. It is something that should be popularised so that others will be encouraged to do the same. I thank God Almighty for this day, for the opportunity and for the thoughtfulness of Oduwole, who has brought together old students to support their alma mater,” he said.
Obasanjo, who described himself as a strong advocate of education, said his continued academic pursuit reflects his belief that learning should never stop.
“I am a lover of education. Otherwise, what would I be doing at the age of 80 pursuing a PhD? I believe there is no end to learning. The more educated you are, the better you become. The day you stop learning is the day you start dying. Any investment in education is worthwhile,” he added.
"What you are doing is very laudable and I hope we will have more of 1976 Set that will do more for the school because the quality of education can only improve by the standard of environment under which people are educated. If you want to have getto education, edecate your children in getto, if you want to have quality education, educate them in the quality field.
"When he (Oduwole) invited me, and you may not know, he is one of the few people, apart from God, that is still keeping me alive today because he is my doctor. And as you have heard, he looks after my heart and whoever looks after your heart is next to your God.
"What you have done is very commendable, and I believe he should be celebrated so that we can encourage others. In a country like Nigeria, and in a situation like we are doing, there are many areas that are dying in the education sector. You decided to enhance the laboratory so that the quality of education particularly science and technology can be improved. You have done well," he stated.
The former president, therefore, advised the school principal to see to the security and maintenance of the newly refurbished facilities.
In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Segun Olayiwola represented by Zonal Director, Ibadan Zonal Educational Inspectorate 3, Mrs Latifat Jimoh said over the years, public spirited individuals, organizations, philanthropist have advancing public schools in the state by complimenting government efforts in both academics and infrastructural developments.
She said, "They have significantly contributed to renovating school buildings, befitting libraries, providing essential facilities such as students rest rooms, supply of computers, and even enjoy security services within our educational institutions. For this contributions, the present administration in the state holds this gratitude."
Read Also: Why Nigeria must convert market access into strategic advantage
Olayiwola explained that the State Government under Governor Seyi Makinde has shown commitment to repositioning the education sector through his commitment to education in various ways.
The commissioner then commended the old students for their remarkable activities, adding that "You are highly esteemed for all your supports and collaborations to the government in ensuring quality education."
Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor of Adeleke University, Osun State, Dr Deji Adeleke commended Oduwole for giving back to his school, and urged other philanthropists in the society to always remember their Alma Mata.
In a sideline interview, the benefactor, Dr Adefisayo Oduwole said, "The motive behind the gesture is to encourage the students to be professionals, to be scientists, developers, engineers of tomorrow. The purpose is to provide a great learning environment for them. That's the purpose of this gesture, to be educated."
On the maintenance of the laboratory, he said, "We will maintain it together, I want them to protect it but other maintenance, we will try and do it together to make sure that the place is comfortable for them to learn."
In her welcome address, the Principal of the school, Mrs Mojisola Tiamiyu, who appreciated the 1976 Set for the gesture, therefore, charged the current students of the school to emulate the spirit of these alumni and give back when they occupy various positions across the world.
