GR Diary
Urgent: State of Emergency in the Education Sector!!!
By: Emeka Oparah
Yesterday, during lunch at The Nation Abuja City Editor, Yomi Odunuga’s 53rd birthday gathering, in his humble but lovely home in Abuja, we (friends) got into the usual sad reflections about the state of affairs in Nigeria. From East to West and North to South, we came to the unfortunate conclusion that all is not well with the country.
We did not come to a final conclusion on how to solve the problems, but we were aligned that something must be done and urgently too. One of the areas we dwelt on was education. That is what I’m about to discuss further, as time didn’t permit me, yesterday, to say all I had in mind what with the array of delicious food and assortment of choice “poisons” staring me in the face. Lol.
First off, all those who are close to the National Council of States, which features the president, governors, past presidents and others, should beg them to expeditiously declare a State of Emergency in Education. And I mean education at all levels. I am not even talking about the tens of millions of out-of-school children, but those who are supposedly in school and learning absolutely nothing! You do not need to consult an oracle or a seer to know how bad the situation is: check social media and see for yourself!
Some years back, as part of a fact-finding mission to assess the state of primary education in Nigeria, I embarked on a tour of the 6 geo-political zones. My employers had felt that primary education, being the foundation, must be taken seriously, and asked me to go and check and report back. The story was the same everywhere I went. Decrepit schools, horrible teachers and more horrible pupils. In some schools, I couldn’t hold back the tears. Chicken pens and pigsties were better than some of the things called schools.
Most of the buildings had leaking roofs, cracked walls, broken floors, damaged furniture or none at all. The teachers looked as ghastly as the pupils. There were no materials or inspiration for teaching and learning. Some more conscientious teachers gathered their pupils under the trees and taught them, mostly nonsense. It was during the same period the then Gov. Adams Oshiomole of Edo State conducted tests for teachers, using the same questions the pupils answered in Common Entrance, which most of the teachers failed woefully.
Our response, at the time, was to adopt six (6) out of the over 5000 primary schools. Let me not annoy you with the challenges we faced in the process of adoption but here’s what we did: We renovated the schools (in the case of the Lagos State School in Ajegulne, we built a brand new block of 6 classrooms because there was absolutely nothing to renovate!); we provided furniture, including desks, chairs, white boards and markers; we gave the pupils school uniforms, sandals, text books and exercise books and also built toilets for boys, girls and teachers. Then, we organized training sessions for the teachers at least to re-orientate them.
But what is 6 schools out of thousands? A drop in the ocean! So, across the country, most of our primary schools are still in very terrible shape. Thank you. This situation has led to the emergence of hundreds of private primary schools, which, by the way, charge exorbitant fees, and, therefore, further alienates and excludes children of the underprivileged. The result is that we have mostly poorly prepared children who are admitted into the equally disastrous public secondary schools.
The secondary schools have now deteriorated beyond producing half-baked and ill-prepared young adults to moulding young criminals! Of course, the level of teaching and learning is, like the primary schools, very much below standard. The more unfortunate issue is that the secondary schools have literally become breeding grounds for immoral, sexually perverted and criminally minded young men and women. If you are in doubt, visit a nearby public secondary school in your village. Or better still look at the photos and videos that litter the social media. Scary.
I know a school, where there are only 9 teachers for the student population of over 800! Teaching has become a job for people with no future plans or ambition. Even those who agree to teach augment their poor remunerations with whatever they make from the sale of pure water, recharge cards and all sorts of groceries. The students are either playing football and other games or wandering and loitering all over the nooks and crannies playing lottery, dancing shaku-shaku, drinking alcohol, doing drugs or organizing orgies. And this is no exaggeration. The more “courageous” ones are being recruited into secret cult groups-and they in turn initiate their younger friends. They “run things” now in the villages and towns and you dare not challenge them. They are also the ones who work for politicians as thugs and ballot box stuffers or snatchers.
I need not waste your time on the disaster currently happening in our tertiary institutions, including some of the private universities. Most of the graduates are NOT (in caps) prepared or ready for anything, except to make money. In addition to cult activities, many are now involved in the Yahoo-Yahoo business of getting rich quick by all means. They now combine Advanced Fee Fraud with outright robberies and ritual killing. They are the ones stealing women’s pants all over the place. The lecturers are mostly on strike, anyway.
Look, my dear friends, we are well and truly snookered! One of the consequences is that we do not have a ready reservoir of future leaders and managers made in Nigeria. The few job opportunities from the few corporations seeking employees are going to either those returning from the diaspora or expatriates. If this is not a calamity, then tell me what is.
I think, and you can correct me if I’m wrong, that the President should convene a meeting of the Minister of Education and Commissioners for Education and all stakeholders in the Education sector including policy makers, lawmakers (NASS and State Legislatures) to brainstorm for a week or two and propose a way or ways forward. Otherwise things are are going to get worse than it is.
Additionally, old students/pupils must urgently organize themselves and return to their alma maters to help rescue the dire situation. I know of some Alumni and Old boys/girls associations, which have done great things in their schools. Others must emulate them as a matter of sacrifice.
Also, corporate organizations and NGOs should emulate Airtel Nigeria, adopt some of these primary schools and offer other forms of support for the development of primary, secondary and tertiary education in the country. At the end of the day, these institutions should be the main source of manpower for these organization. So, even if for selfish considerations, they should do something.
The Federal Government should, however, lead the charge by immediately declaring a state of emergency in Education. The situation is really really bad. Very bad. And that is still an understatement of the problem.
Oparah, Director of Corporate Communications & CSR at Airtel Nigeria, writes from Lagos.
The stage is set, the anticipation is palpable, and the excitement is already building as SIFAX Group unveils its lineup of top gospel artists for the much-anticipated 2024 SIFAX Group Thanksgiving and Night of Praise celebration.
The event is set to hold on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
The night’s lineup features an array of celebrated gospel stars, including Bidemi Olaoba, Laolu Gbenjo, Beejay Sax, Adeyinka Alaseyori and Chigozie Wisdom.
The event will also feature performances from Woli Agba, Titilayo Eyinjujesu, Abosede Akande, Nonny Chorale and Daminator Dance Group.
Themed I will Rejoice, the event, which is in its second year, promises an uplifting atmosphere filled with soulful melodies, heartfelt prayers, and vibrant expressions of gratitude for the milestones and blessings of the year.
Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Group Chairman, SIFAX Group, said the event was an avenue to appreciate God for his faithfulness in the outgoing year:
“We are thrilled to bring together our board, management, staff, clients and other stakeholders to celebrate the goodness of God we have enjoyed in 2024.
It has been an interesting year laced with a lot of challenges and accomplishments.
This Night of Praise reflects our commitment to showing gratitude to God for His divine support for our businesses and our people.”
Attendees can expect electrifying live performances, a vibrant choir, and opportunities for communal worship, all within a beautifully curated setting designed to uplift and inspire. The event will also feature special segments for praise, worship, and words of encouragement from renowned speakers.
The event will be livestreamed on all the company’s official social media channels to extend the experience to the company’s online community.
Events
Speakers to Discuss How to Restore Nigerians’ Confidence in the Judiciary
…A collection of eminently qualified personalities will on Friday November 29 engage in the discourse on how to bring back the confidence of Nigerians in the nation’s judiciary.
The event, the Gavel International Annual Lecture with the theme: “The Judiciary as the last hope of the common man, media and legal perspectives” will be hosting Prof Hope Eghagha, Mr. Richard Akinnola, Mr. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa SAN, Mrs. Joke Layi-Babatunde, and Mrs. Asabe Waziri as the panel discussants.
The panel will be coordinated by Chief Anthony George-Ikoli SAN.
At the event, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi will deliver the Keynote Address while Nigeria’s top business lawyer, Mr. Gbenga Oyebode MFR will serve as chairman Former General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Dele Adesina SAN will deliver the main lecture.
George-Ikoli is a former Attorney-General of Bayelsa State and the first Senior Advocate from the state. A passionate advocate of the Justice system, George-Ikoli will bring his wealth of experience to bear on the discussions.
Prof Eghagha, is a highly experienced teacher of English Literature and Literary Analysis at the Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos and researcher of dramatic theory and criticism.
He is a playwright, poet, novelist, biographer, columnist and member of The Guardian newspaper’s editorial board. Through his weekly newspaper opinion articles, he explores the complex challenges facing Nigeria.
Prof. Eghagha also served as the Commissioner for Higher Education in Delta State from 2009 to 2014. In 1999, he was named Honorary Colonel of the Commonwealth of Kentucky United States, and Honorary Captain of the Belle of Louisville.
A distinguished academic Eghagha was made appointed professor in 2010. He was also Acting Dean of the Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos in 2015 and Head of the Department of English, University of Lagos from 2016 to 2019. In December 2023, he was appointed Education Consultant to the Delta State Government.
Richard Akinnola is a legal affairs journalist, legal historian, media law specialist, media trainer, and author of 18 books on law, media, human rights and politics.
A respected law columnist, at various times, he was a pioneer staff of The Guardian, Vanguard, and Judicial Editor of the Concord Group. One of the founders of Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), the first Human Rights body in Nigeria, established in 1987, he is currently Director, Centre for Media Law and Advocacy, member of the Board of Partnership for Justice and founder of Richard Akinnola Foundation and NGO that takes care of widows of journalists and activists. Akinnola is the publisher/Editor-in-Chief of COURTROOM; Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of MEDIA LAW and Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of CORRUPTION CASES JOURNAL.
Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), is a well regarded rights advocate and legal luminary. Adegboruwa attended the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1995. He served as counsel at Gani Fawehinmi Chambers from 1995 to 2000 and later founded his law firm, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa & Co.
He has been an activist and rights crusader for most part of his life. He was the Public Relations Officer of the Student’s Union of Obafemi Awolowo University, and later the Union’s President.
He was a member of the Senate of the National Association of Nigerian Students and member of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Civil Liberties Organization, Campaign for Democracy, President, GSM Subscribers and other Phone users Association of Nigeria and founder of Law and Justice Forum and Millennium Legal Support Services.
He is also a Pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
Mrs. Adejoke Layi-Babatunde is an alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife and the Nigerian Law School, Lagos. She is a results-driven and accomplished law publisher with an exceptional talent for developing and launching new publications. With a keen eye for detail and exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, Layi-Babatunde easily stands out and is well known for her collaborative approach to leadership.
She is an author and life coach and sits on several boards. She has featured as a keynote speaker in several national and international conferences. Her editorial board position at a legal entity covering Africa reflects her deep industry involvement.
She has spearheaded pivotal roles, including being Deputy CEO at Lawbreed Limited, driving publication of Supreme Court judgments and publications aimed at equipping lawyers for greater success as well as overseeing corporate social relations. Her blend of experience, skills, and commitment positions her as a valuable asset to organizations at various phases of growth and this has earned her several awards one of which is the ESQ Nigeria Legal awards Amazon of the Year 2021.
Mrs. Layi-Babatunde started her career at the Legal Department of Nigeria Industrial Development Bank (now Bank of Industry. She is a life member of WIMBIZ (Women in Business and Management), Lagos Chamber of Commerce & industry, Chairperson, Mentoring Committee of FIDA Lagos chapter and FIDA International Editorial Board and the vice-chairperson of the Professional Development Committee of the Ikeja chapter of the Nigerian Bar Association.
Asabe Waziri is a petroleum engineer and a respected professional in the oil and gas industry, with nearly three decades of experience. She is also the founder of the Asabe Waziri Justice Advocacy Initiative (AWJAI), an organization inspired by her profound encounter with injustice. Driven to help others navigate the complex Nigerian justice system, Asabe established AWJAI to address critical issues faced by vulnerable communities.
In just over a year, AWJAI has made significant strides in combating illegal evictions, gender-based violence, monitoring compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), addressing professional misconduct, and tackling prison overcrowding.
The Publisher of Gavel International, Mustapha Ogunsakin explained that the 2024 annual lecture is designed to kick off conversations on the restoration of confidence of the Nigerian people in the nation’s judiciary which appears to be at an all time low.
“During the #Endsars protests in 2020, a very major court building, the Lagos High Court, Igbosere was razed by a mob. We saw the horrendous pictures of the burnt court, particularly one of the arsonists in a lawyer’s garb of wig and gown, with a machete in his hand. For me, that is very scary imagery. We must begin to restore the hope of the common man, if not in other organs of government, but in the judiciary. The other alternative is anarchy,” he said.
Ogunsakin posited that legal and media professions saddled with direct constitutional roles in the judicial system are best positioned to restore confidence in the judiciary. “While the role of the legal profession is statutory, the media has the responsibility to represent the people by covering and reporting court proceedings, except it has to do with national security or cases involving minors. That is why the constitution made provision for a public gallery in every court where journalists occupy to report cases and disseminate to the public,” he noted.
Gavel International has over the years hosted lectures and conferences in pursuit of its guiding principle — Rule of Law. In 2015, Gavel International presented a book, “For the love of their Nation, Lawyers as Agents of Change in Nigeria’’ authored by the publisher, Mustapha Ogunsakin.
The public presentation of this book was done by the then Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo SAN. Others in attendance at the event include Mr. Eyitayo Jegede SAN, then the Attorney General of Ondo State, Chief Anthony George-Ikoli SAN, the first SAN from Bayelsa State and a former Attorney General of the State, Mr. Ade Ipaye and a host of others.
In 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic raged, it managed to host a stellar webinar conference, bringing together some of the most brilliant minds across the country to discuss on the topic: “Media Coverage of Virtual Court Proceedings: Prospects and Challenges. Prof. Osinbajo delivered the Keynote Address and was joined by others like human rights activist, Femi Falana SAN, Bode Olanipekun SAN, Prof Chidi Odinkalu, Dr Reuben Abati to discuss the topic.
Events
Hamzat, Abiru To Speak on Impactful Empowerment For Nigerians At TheGazelleNews Annual Public Lecture
TheGazelleNews, a leading online newspaper, is set to host its much-anticipated annual public lecture on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Isaac John Street, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.
This year’s lecture will focus on a topic of crucial national importance: “Poverty Alleviation: Fantasies, Expectations, and Realities of People’s Empowerment.”
The event will convene distinguished speakers, thought leaders, and government officials to address the challenges and practical solutions surrounding poverty reduction and empowerment in Nigeria.
It will feature Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, as the Guest Speaker, who is expected to bring a wealth of experience in governance and infrastructure development to the discourse. As the Keynote Speaker, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, a renowned legislator and financial expert, will share valuable insights into policy-driven approaches for sustainable poverty alleviation.
A dynamic panel discussion will follow, featuring prominent personalities: Engineer (Dr.) Adekunle Olayinka, FNSE – Special Adviser on Works to the Lagos State Government; Ms. Abisola Olusanya – Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Lagos State, who will provide perspectives on the agricultural sector’s role in empowering communities; Comrade Tosin Adeyanju – Executive Secretary of the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF), focusing on community development through structured funding and Honorable Rasaq Ajala – Executive Chairman, Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, who will be contributing insights on local government initiatives.
Goodwill messages will be delivered by: the Senate Leader, Senator Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele; the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment, Senator Yunus Abiodun Akintunde; the Chairman of Winners Golden Group, Honourable Idowu Osuolale Obasa; and the Special Adviser to the President on Public Communications and National Orientation, Chief Sunday Dare.
The event will be graced by prominent personalities in government and public service, with Nigeria First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, serving as the Special Guest of Honour; Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio as the Chairman of the occasion and the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, will be the Chief Host.
The Father of the Day is seasoned politician noted for his connection with the people especially at the grassroots level, Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon (GOS), and Mother of the Day, Her Excellency Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, reflecting her longstanding commitment to social empowerment and women’s issues and of course her role as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals.
In a celebration of excellence and dedication to public service, TheGazelleNews will present its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award to Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, Chairman of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC).
A highly respected political figure and royal prince from the Akinsemoyin ruling house of Lagos, Prince Olusi has made impactful contributions as a former Lagos City Councilor, House of Representatives member in the Second Republic, and Commissioner in Lagos State. His award highlights a career marked by unwavering dedication to Lagos and its citizens.
The day’s proceedings will be hosted by the dynamic compère duo, Gbenga Adeyinka and Feyikemi Niyi-Olayinka, who promise to guide the audience through an engaging and memorable event.
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