Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has advocated for total overhauling of the education sector, noting its importance to the all round growth of the Country.
Obasanjo who restated his commitment to the national unity submitted that any nation that fails to accord the sector right priority is bound to fail
He made this known at the commissioning of a multi million naira newly renovated and fully equipped Chemistry and Biology Laboratories donated by Dr Adefisayo Oduwole of 1976 Set of African Church Grammar School Senior.at the school premises, Apata Ganga in Ibadan on Friday.
He urged the government at all levels to invest more in the sector describing it as one of the avenues to liberate the nation from the shackles of poverty.
He also charged the well meaning people in the society to emulate the benefactor in order to improve the standard of education in Nigeria.
“What we are doing here today is unique. It is something that we should popularize so that we can encourage others to do likewise.
“I will just start by thanking God Almighty for this day. For this opportunity, for the enablement and for the thoughtfulness of Oduwole who have gathered all old students together.
“I am a lover of education otherwise what would I be doing at age of 80 pursuing the PhD. But because I believe there is no end to learning and the more educated you are the better you are. And the day you stop learning, then you start dying. And any investment in education is worth it.
“What you are doing is very laudable and I hope we will have more of the 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 ghetto education, educate your children in ghetto, 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,”
The former president, therefore, advised the school principal to see the security and maintenance of the newly refurbished facilities.
In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon 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.
He said, “They have significantly contributed 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.”
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 support 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 with the donor, Dr Adefisayo Oduwole said, “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.”
“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.