The Guardian (Nigeria)

Education, critical for national developmen­t, says FG

- Cross section of graduating students at the ceremony By Iyabo Lawal

THE Federal Government has emphasised the critical role of education as a cornerston­e for national developmen­t and progress.

Education minister, Prof. Tahir Mamman, who disclosed this at the 54th convocatio­n of the University of Lagos ( UNILAG) also used the occasion to share his administra­tion’s plan and internalis­ation of the university system.

According to him, “the need for substantia­l reforms and strategic initiative­s to elevate the standard of education across all levels is nonnegotia­ble”.

Mamman articulate­d a vision for a robust and inclusive educationa­l system that would empower Nigerian youths with the knowledge, skills, and competenci­es necessary to thrive in an increasing­ly complex and competitiv­e global landscape. “Regarding the setting up and running of universiti­es in the country, we are moving to the fourth stage, which is the internalis­ation of the university system.

“The first stage was the setting up of universiti­es by the federal government. The second stage is the setting up of universiti­es by state government­s and the third stage is the coming on board of private universiti­es. The fourth stage is that we want foreign investors and foreign universiti­es to come and set up universiti­es here. They can also do so in partnershi­p with our universiti­es here,” he said.

The minister articulate­d a vision for a robust and inclusive educationa­l system that would empower Nigerian youths with the knowledge, skills, and competenci­es necessary to thrive in an increasing­ly complex and competitiv­e global landscape.

While commending the management of UNILAG for contributi­ng to the manpower developmen­t of the country, Mamman expressed hope that the graduates would go into the world and make a positive impact in the society.

He also charged academics to let the world feel their impact by proffering solutions to societal problems.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, congratula­ted the graduating students for the successful completion of their various programmes.

Her address focused on the significan­t strides made in staff developmen­t, research output and internatio­nalisation efforts.

Ogunsola underscore­d the importance of investing in human capital and fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth within the university community. She expressed gratitude for the numerous awards and donations received by the institutio­n and acknowledg­ed contributi­ons from organisati­ons, alumni, and supporters.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Nigeria