International Students’ Day: Education Greatest Equalizer-Ex UNILAG VC

From Left: Prof. Ogundipe and Minister of Youth Development

Immediate past Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, has described education as the greatest equalizer, as it eliminates inequalities, as well as act as a ray of hope for all.

Prof Ogundipe made the assertion while delivering a lecture at the 2024 International Student Day celebration, on Wednesday in Abuja.

The lecture is with the theme: Celebrating Excellence for Sustainable Development.

The international students’ day which holds every Nov. 17, is a day set aside globally celebrate multiculturalism, diversity and cooperation among students worldwide.

According to the professor of Botany, it also eliminates inequalities among families and nations, transcending boundaries and tearing down barriers.

“It is a great honour to be in front of you on this International Day, which honours both the transformative potential of education and the rich diversity of cultures worldwide.

“This event is important, as it celebrates and acknowledges the role of academic excellence, as a pillar of advancement and the cornerstone of Nigeria’s future.

“We all agree that the greatest equaliser is education. It eliminates inequalities, acts as a ray of hope for people, families and entire countries, transcending boundaries and tearing down barriers.

“With its abundant resources, vibrant populace and unwavering fortitude, Nigeria views academic success as a necessity, rather than merely an aspiration.

“I appreciate the organisers, particularly the SSA to President Tinubu for putting together this event for us to once again discuss the importance of academic excellence in our nation.

“There is no gainsaying that academic excellence is more than getting good grades or recognition in school. Let’s be clear, good grades are important, however, academic excellence signifies a dedication to critical thinking, creativity and lifelong learning to tackle the myriads of challenges we face as a nation,” he said.

The don noted that quality education gave a people, the ability to dream big, as well as offered them the means to make their dreams come true.

“Our youths are better equipped to handle today’s and tomorrow’s most pressing problems, when we support academic excellence. Education creates the leaders, scientists, entrepreneurs and changemakers Nigeria needs, whether the goal is to address economic inequality, fight climate change, improve healthcare, fight poverty or embrace digital innovation,” he stated.

Speaking further, he noted that Nigeria, as the giant of Africa, is blessed with abundant natural resources and most importantly, its people, young, vibrant and full of potential.

Prof Ogundipe however noted that to unlock this potential, there was the need to invest in education and celebrate the pursuit of excellence, noting that this, in turn, would impact positively on economic transformation, social and political stability, security and nation building.

According to him, no amount is too much to be invested in education, noting that investing in education is not just a moral obligation, it is a strategic move toward securing Nigeria’s rightful place among the comity of nations.

“The future of Nigeria lies in the hands of its people and those hands must be skilled, innovative and empowered through education. Academic excellence is our roadmap to a brighter tomorrow, a Nigeria where dreams are realized, opportunities are endless and success knows no bounds.

“In addition to being a personal accomplishment, academic excellence is a social asset that strengthens a nation’s fabric.

“In Nigeria, where problems like social inequality, political instability and ethnic tensions persist, education investment is vital. Education fosters civic responsibility, unity and informed leadership, all of which contribute to a stable and peaceful society.

“We need Education that fosters academic rigour, critical thinking and civic awareness, which is crucial for creating a cohesive and stable society in Nigeria, where cultural, religious and ethnic diversity can present difficulties.

“Through encouraging tolerance, respect, and understanding between people from diverse backgrounds, academic excellence fosters social cohesion. Students from different ethnic and religious backgrounds interact in schools and universities, which serves as a melting pot that dispels prejudices and fosters unity. National harmony is promoted by an educated populace that is less likely to give in to divisive ideologies “ he enthused.

On his part, Hon.Sunday Asefon, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, said the occasion marked a significant opportunity to also honour the achievements of Nigerian students, as well as the transformational progress made in the education sector, under the visionary leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

According to him, the achievements of the ‘Renewed Hope’ administration in education since assumption of office, had demonstrated an unwavering commitment to revolutionalising the country’s education system.

The senior special assistant listed some of the achievements to include the establishment of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) which ensured access to higher education for students, removing financial barriers and creating opportunities for all.

“The removal of tertiary institution staff from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), thereby resolving one of the primary causes of incessant industrial actions by academic staff unions, thus, fostering academic stability, institute various categories of awards to best students, among many others, is also one of such achievements.

“The award is to inspire excellence and underscore commitment to rewarding hardwork and dedication,” he said.

Hon. Asefon reiterated that students’ welfare and education development remained central to the policies of President Tinubu noting that his administration had also demonstrated commitment to remaining the hope of Nigerian students and ensuring that every young Nigerian was equipped to succeed in an ever evolving world.

“As we celebrate, I urge all students to embrace excellence, innovation and collaboration as tools for personal growth and national development.

“Together we can build a brighter and more sustainable future ,” he said.

Also speaking, the Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande admonished the students to make good use of all that had been put in place reach their goals.

According to him, the current administration has made commitments that will ensure that today’s youth are given their rightful position in the scheme of things in the country.

“If there is anyone that has listened to the yearning of our youth as at today, it is this current administration. If there is anything that is going to make life good for us today, it is the policies that this government is putting in place.

“Just recently, I signed an executive order that going forward, corp members be posted to place related to their course of study. Where they are posted to during their service year should align with what they studied in their respective tertiary institutions.

“We also want to charge the students to also come up with positive things that could help change the narrative of this country. We own this country, let’s bring positive energy on board to help make it a better place for all,” he said.