Why Government Must Expand the Frontiers of Education
Given the correlation between youth restiveness and unemployment, the Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has called on leaders at all levels to democratise education and make knowledge easily accessible to every Nigerian child, irrespective of class or creed.
Speaking on grassroots education at the inaugural colloquium of the Government College Ughelli, Class of September 1973 in Lagos, the Bayelsa State governor said that one of the most important subject matters those in leadership position must be involved in is the promotion of education.
According to him, government must improve her investment as well as expand the frontiers of education so as to create quality manpower, a more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria. "If you are wondering out there why some places have issues if militancy, instability, criminality, unemployment, unemployability and many more, you just need to look at the state of education and the investment in education in that area,” Dickson said.
In his remarks, the Chairman Colloquium Committee, Mr. Sam Omatseye said the colloquium was part of the ways the Old Boys Class of 1973 gives back to the society. Adding that it also affords them the opportunity to showcase the various interventions they have made so far to their alma mater, while calling for assistance from the general public.
Speaking further, Omatseye said that the group has spent several millions of naira on refurbishing, rehabilitating and providing updated facilities. And that they are currently working on setting up a Tech Centre for software development, computer knowledge, wood work, metal work, among others.
"We thought it is necessary for us to come together and get important people to speak about education. That is why we called it ‘Raising a Wise Generation’. Bringing a generation of Nigerians who are now going to school to benefit from the kind of education we enjoyed in our time. That is why we brought all these important personalities here to talk about various aspects of education and what we can do to revive education.
"You can see that some of the problems of youth restiveness is as a result of lack of enlightenment. And if people get the kind of education we had, we won't be having the kind of social breakdown that now characterises our society,” Omatseye said.
In her opening remarks, the Chairperson of the event, Prof. Grace Alele-Williams, called on stakeholders in Nigeria's education to rise to need for an improved teachers training, good remuneration and conducive teaching environment.
The first female Vice-Chancellor and former VC, University of Benin said that the leaders, educationists and other stakeholders should consider today's children shortchanged if they are not taught well enough to reach the level and quality of education the country accomplished 20 years ago in secondary and tertiary education levels.
Reflecting in the theme of the colloquium, ‘Raising a Wise Generation: Revamping Nigeria's Secondary Education’, the Don said, "if we do not have teachers who are satisfied, teachers who are given the opportunities of learning more, we cannot reach that level. Therefore, whatever we are discussing as to how we are going to improve our schools, the first and basic question we must ask ourselves is: are we promoting that very important stage - which is teachers’ education? Those who understand the way and manner knowledge is being extended in various parts of the world. How much are we extending the knowledge of those who will change what we can have in our country?” she asked.