The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has condemned the dwindling educational sector in Nigeria.
Obi, in a statement on his X page on Friday, mentioned that while education remains a veritable tool for the development of a skilled workforce, he mentioned that Nigeria is bedevilled with several militating factors affecting education in the country.
”Nigeria continues to face significant challenges in its education sector, including poor funding, a shortage of qualified teachers, outdated curricula, corruption, and insecurity,” Obi said while celebrating the International Day of Education.
The former governor of Anambra state urged the federal government to prioritise education, saying, ”It is the government’s responsibility to address these issues and ensure every Nigerian child receives at least a basic education.”
The Labour Party chieftain also celebrated the Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS), Onitsha, which celebrates its 100th anniversary on Saturday.
Describing it as a ”great citadel of learning,” Obi mentioned that the institution has played a pivotal role in driving the success of the country.
He urged the students of the institution to ”follow in the footsteps” of distinguished alumni of the institution who have carved a niche for themselves locally and internationally.
Obi’s statement reads, ”Today marks a significant milestone in our nation’s history as we join the global community in celebrating the International Day of Education.
”It is a particularly joyous day for me, given my very firm belief in the transformative power of education in driving development and innovation.
”It’s still in that mood that I join other lovers of education, particularly in the Eastern region of Nigeria, in ushering in the Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS), Onitsha, which celebrates its 100th anniversary tomorrow.
”This great citadel of learning will use the centenary celebration to showcase its remarkable contributions to education in Nigeria.
”These two events remind us of the critical importance of education in unlocking our nation’s potential. As part of celebrating these intertwined milestones, I visited schools in Anambra State, both in urban areas and in the hinterlands.
”At DMGS, while rejoicing with them on their centenary celebration, I highlighted some of the school’s distinguished alumni who have achieved renown in various fields, encouraging the students to follow in their footsteps.
”I mentioned Prof. Kenneth Dike, the first Black Vice-Chancellor in Africa; Emmanuel Ifeajuna, the first African to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games; Bishop Jonathan Onyemelukwe; Prof. James Ezeilo, former Vice Chancellor of Nsukka; Prof. Ilochi Okafor, former VC of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; Dr. Tim Menakaya, Nigeria’s former Minister of Health; and Chief Simon Okeke, former Chairman of the Police Service Commission, among many others. These accomplished individuals exemplify the transformative power of education.
”Emphasising their remarkable achievements, I urged the students to take their education seriously, reminding them that with dedication and hard work, they too could achieve greatness like these notable figures.
”I also visited Nmiata-Anam, a community close to my heart. During my gubernatorial campaign, I travelled to the town by boat because there were no accessible roads.
”I promised the community that I would construct a bridge and a road in the area. Today, I am proud to say that this promise has been fulfilled, connecting the town to the rest of the state.
”Further to the celebration of World Education Day, I also visited Community Primary School, Nmiata-Anam, and Our Lady of Lourdes Secondary School, Nmiata-Anam.
”At both schools, after interacting with the pupils and students, I reminded them of the importance of education. I also pledged to support the schools in the best way I can.
”Education remains a powerful tool for training a skilled workforce, driving innovation, and fostering sustainable development.
”Countries like India, China, Morocco, and Egypt have shown the profound connection between education and national progress, significantly improving their global standing through strategic investments in education.
”However, Nigeria continues to face significant challenges in its education sector, including poor funding, a shortage of qualified teachers, outdated curricula, corruption, and insecurity.
”It is the government’s responsibility to address these issues and ensure every Nigerian child receives at least a basic education.
”By making education a priority, we can build a productive population that will drive our nation towards progress.
”As we celebrate these milestones, let us commit to building a nation where every child has access to quality learning. A New Nigeria is possible if we invest in education and unlock our nation’s full potential.”
