Commissioner advocates for education investment in young people
By Ibukun Emiola
The Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Soliu Abdulwaheed, has underscored the importance of investing in young people’s education, for the development of any society.
Abdulwaheed stated this at the 7th Annual Lecture and Award Ceremony of Abadina College Old Students Association (ACOSA) in commemoration of the 46th anniversary of the College in Ibadan.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event had as theme “Providing Holistic and Qualitative Education Hinged on Integrity and Excellence.”
The commissioner who was represented at the event by the Deputy Director Schools, Ministry of Education, Mr Hafees Ibrahim, commended the old boys for their contributions and support for qualitative education in the school.
“Investment in education is perhaps the most important investment any individual or Government can make.
“When we invest in the education of young people, we invest in the future. When we build new schools, we are building a safer more prosperous world for us all.
“Lack of education is, I believe, one of the main reasons why a large number of people are still living in extreme poverty,” he said.
Citing the words of Derek Bok, a Former President of Havard University, Abdulwaheed said Bok hits the nail on the head when he submitted: “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.”
Earlier in his address, President, ACOSA, National Executive Committee Mr Okpeta Oyakhire, said students could encourage old students to donate more to the school through proper use and maintenance of donated facilities.
“What can be done to ensure that the old students increased their participation in the school, is for the students and by extension the parents, to use this facilities very well in a good way.
“So that when the old students come back and see that what they have done is well maintained and well kept, then they will be encouraged to do more,” he said.
Oyakhire stated that one of the alumni had promised to set up five smart classrooms estimated at N5 million which has been geared towards building academic excellence and the minds of the students in the school.
Also, an Alumnus Prof. Serifat Aboaba, of the 1986 Graduating set said the old students had created many avenues to improve the quality of teaching and learning in the school.
He said this they had done through various activities and the provision of infrastructures.
“We go as far as getting tutors for them to coach them in subjects they find difficult. The essence of it is for them to have a good grasps of what they are being taught.
“We believe this will go a long way to prevent them from engaging in examination malpractices.
“We also encouraged the indigent students who are very brilliant by paying for their WAEC,” Aboaba said.
The event featured panel discussion, cultural dance, and presentation of award to distinguished alumnus, outstanding public service and best students. (NAN)
