Varsity Don harps on investment in Education and Youth Development

By Our Correspondent

A Professor of Microbiology at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria,  Professor Olubukola Oyawoye has urged Nigerian government to reach greater heights in achieving the aim and aspirations of its founding fathers for more investment in education and youth development. 

She noted that "education should be seen as a wealth creation process, adding that if the people are educationally equipped by the government, the issue of threatening poverty and instability of the economy will the tackled among our youths

The University don made this assertion during  the 4th Nigerian Leadership Colloquium In Honour of Pastor Itua Ighodalo's  63rd Birthday held at the Trinity Church, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria

Speaking on the theme" Mistakes Nigeria Made under the Chairmanship of General Ike Nwachukwu, Professor Oyawoye espoused the need for more investment in education that will lead the country to be among others self-sufficient in feeding ourselves, technology savvy youthful population, mismanagement of funds, needless castigation of one another, etc

Oyawoye, a former Commissioner in Osun State emphasized that the government, corporate bodies, and even religious organizations should take a deeper interest in small-scale enterprise for the Nigerian youth. 

In her words; ' Nigeria is blessed with a youthful population requiring serious engagement adding that the best way we can engage our youths is through an encompassing Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME). Already there's a federal government agency, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) saddled with this responsibility. This agency should be empowered to focus more attention on youth development ' 

Award-winning Professor Oyawoye was emphatic on the need for every Nigerian to have a rethinking of our ways and thoughts toward redirecting our dear country, Nigeria to the path of greatness.

Meanwhile, Dr. Reuben Abati, the second discussant traced the mistake of Nigeria to the amalgamation of the northern and southern protectorate in 1914. Abati encourages Nigeria and Nigerians to return to the table to discuss the Nigeria question for the harmonious relationship among the federating units.

The Chairman of the occasion, General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd) in his remarks enumerated what Nigerians should term as mistakes made in nation-building. General Nwachukwu echoed what Nigeria might consider as mistakes made to include political, economic, security, and social.

The keynote speaker, Mr. Atedo Peterside, whilst drawing from his participation in the 2014 National Conference highlighted 9 points he considers to be the mistakes made in Nigeria's quest for development. These include the inability of politicians to curb the excesses of their supporters, religion in politics, lack of proper conflict resolutions, destruction of standards in civil/public service, enthronement of injustice, etc.

In his appreciation message, Pastor Itua Ighodalo, the celebrant whilst appreciating the chairman, keynote speaker, and discussants implores every Nigerian to believe in Nigeria. 

Ighodalo appreciated Professor Oyawoye for participating in the program without requesting a dime.