Education key to national development — Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has emphasised that any nation that fails to prioritise education risks stagnation and underdevelopment.

Obasanjo made the remark on Friday while inaugurating newly renovated and fully equipped Chemistry and Biology laboratories at African Church Grammar School Senior, Apata Ganga, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The multi-million-naira laboratory facilities were donated by Dr Adefisayo Oduwole, a member of the school’s 1976 alumni set, as part of activities marking the institution’s 50th anniversary.

Speaking at the event, the former president described education as a lifelong pursuit and urged Nigerians to invest more in the sector to improve learning standards in the country.

According to him, education remains one of the most valuable investments any society can make.

“What we are doing here today is unique and should be encouraged so that others can emulate it,” he said.

Obasanjo added that learning has no endpoint, stressing that continuous education improves both individuals and society.

“The day you stop learning, you start dying. Any investment in education is worthwhile,” he said.

He commended Oduwole for supporting the development of the school, noting that improved facilities, particularly in science and technology, would enhance the quality of education for students.

Obasanjo also called for recognition of individuals who contribute to educational development, saying such gestures would motivate others to support schools across the country.

He further urged the school management to ensure proper maintenance and security of the newly refurbished laboratories.

In his remarks, the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Segun Olayiwola, represented by the Zonal Director of Ibadan Zonal Educational Inspectorate 3, Mrs Latifat Jimoh, said individuals and organisations had continued to support public schools in the state through infrastructure and academic development.

According to him, such interventions complement government efforts in improving the education sector.

He noted that donors had contributed to the renovation of school buildings, construction of libraries, provision of student facilities, supply of computers and even support for security services in schools.

Olayiwola added that the administration of Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo State, remains committed to strengthening the education sector through various initiatives.

Also speaking at the event, the Pro-Chancellor of Adeleke University, Osun State, Dr Deji Adeleke, commended Oduwole for giving back to his alma mater and encouraged other philanthropists to support educational development.

In an interview, the benefactor, Dr Adefisayo Oduwole, said the project was designed to inspire students to pursue careers in science and other professional fields.

He explained that providing modern laboratory facilities would help create a conducive learning environment and motivate students to become future scientists, engineers and innovators.

Oduwole also assured that the alumni association would collaborate with the school management to ensure proper maintenance of the laboratories.

Earlier in her welcome address, the school’s principal, Mrs Mojisola Tiamiyu, thanked the 1976 alumni set for the intervention and encouraged current students to emulate the spirit of giving back to their alma mater in the future.