Use Education for nation-building, Fagbemi charges youth

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN, has urged Nigerians, particularly the youth, to use the knowledge inculcated in them to enhance nation-building, saying that the future of Nigeria requires the integration and inculcation of democratic values. Prince Fagbemi stated this last Friday (October 18, 2024) while delivering the University Convocation Lecture, titled “Nurturing Democratic Values and Education for the Future of Nigeria,” at the University Auditorium. The nation’s Chief Law Officer explained that democracy and education are inseparable as the two help in the promotion of each other for the betterment of a given society.

The renowned legal luminary explained that the true worth of an educated person is his ability to use his knowledge and skills for the good of the society. He enjoined Nigerian citizens to always think and pursue what they would do for the country and never wait for what the country would do for them. Prince Fagbemi, who previously served as the Chairman of the Governing Council of Yaba College of Technology, added that the youth must be tutored in such a way that they would appreciate and imbibe the democratic values of tolerance, respect for others, and most especially, respect for the rule of law. Prince Fagbemi asserted that it was high time that the nation’s educational curriculum was redesigned in a way that the envisaged system would promote justice, equality and freedom to enable a more just and united society begin at once. The Convocation Lecturer suggested the immediate reform of the nation’s educational system in such a way that it would nurture a democratic society. He added that the integration of democratic values in our educational system will enhance academic excellence and development.

Prince Fagbemi said that a reworked educational system would help the country to generate transparent and accountable leaders and consolidate national unity. He charged stakeholders to prioritise the teaching of local culture in the nation’s school system, adding that everything must be done to preserve the nation’s cultural peculiarities. He suggested that education should be subsidised to promote inclusivity and equality for every Nigerian to be educated to the level of their capacities. Prince Fagbemi also suggested that educational infrastructures should be expanded in the rural areas to enable such areas raise future leaders with local perspectives. He additionally suggested the introduction of Citizenship Education right from primary school to enable young citizens to be at home with what they needed to do for their communities to embrace advancement. He specifically urged the graduands to serve with conscience and love for humanity as he said that their training has exposed them to the complexities of the society. He explained that their education is not just a personal accomplishment but a tool for societal influence as he said that the graduands must be champions of democracy and advocates for a strong, peaceful, prosperous and united Nigeria.

Responding to questions, Prince Fagbemi encouraged citizens to show more patriotism by paying taxes regularly and showing respect to the constituted authorities as he said that the present inclement economic situation would soon become a thing of the past. The Minister also encouraged Nigerians to participate more actively in politics as he said that those who abstain from the elections of leaders have no right to complain about the quality of leaders who emerge from such processes. Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole,SAN, said that the choice of the title of the lecture was premised on the need to use education to shape the nation’s future.

While saying that education is the bedrock of democracy, Prof. Egbewole, in his address, which he titled “No Education, No Nation,” said that democracy can only thrive if citizens are adequately informed of their rights, privileges, duties and obligations. Prof. Egbewole added that the value of integrity, accountability, respect for the rule of law and human dignity must be properly inculcated as he said that the possession of academic degrees is not enough but the ability to respond appropriately to evolving situations.

The lecture was attended by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University, Surv. Abiodun Jacob Aluko, and members of the Council; Principal Officers of the University as well as two former Vice Chancellors of the University, Prof. Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede, CON, and Prof.AbdulGaniyu Ambali, OON. Others were the Vice Chancellors of Muhammad Kamalud-Deen University, Kwara State University of Education and Thomas Adewunmi University, Prof. Rasheed Gbenga Jimoh, Prof. Medinat Folorunso Salman and Prof. Fransisca Oladipo, respectively, as well as Mr Kassim Kayode Babamale and Dr Wasilat Kikelomo Salle, who are Registrars of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun and Kwara State University, Malete, respectively. The lecture also attracted the Chief Judge of Kwara State, Justice A. A. Adebara and three Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Yusuf Olaolu Ali, Adebayo Adelodun and Niyi Akintola.