Qualitative education, key to development – Jemibewon

April 5, 2013 by Success Nwogu, Ilorin Leave a Comment

 

Former Minister of Police Affairs and the Initiator, Jemibewon International Academy, Gen. David  Jemibewon (rtd),  has identified qualitative education as a panacea for national development.

His assertion was contained in a statement he issued after he spoke at the 70th anniversary of the Offa Grammar School, Offa, Kwara State, on Thursday.

Jemibewon, who was a guest lecturer at the occasion, said education was a means of gaining knowledge and breaking down barriers, as well as a tool for technological development.

 He said education was a veritable instrument for the advancement of the society.

Also, the President, Old Students’ Association of the school, Chief Jide Falokun, described education as an instrument for social, political and economic development of any nation.

He revealed that the old boys of the school and the Central Bank of Nigeria had assisted the institution through the provision of quality academic and physical infrastructure.

In a related development, the Olofa of Ofa, Alhaji Mufutau Gbadamosi, urged alumni associations to increase their support to their alma mater across the country.

This, he said, would enhance quality of education and, subsequently, national development.

He spoke during the 50th anniversary and inauguration of the N250m development fund for St. Clares Anglican Girls’ Grammar School, Ofa, Kwara State.

The guest lecturer, Prof. Foluke Adeniyi, said there was the need to invest more in the girl child.

She urged pupils to be studious and avoid distractions.

Adeniyi also commended former pupils of the school for attaining great heights in the society.

Meanwhile, Offa Descendants’ Union has urged the government and other stakeholders to invest more in primary and secondary education.

It said that qualitative education was the bedrock of national scientific, technological, socio-economic and political advancement.

In a statement on Thursday by its National President, Chief Hamzat Adedeji, and the Secretary-General, Chief Wosilat Macarthy, ODU called for greater investment in education.

According to the group, primary and secondary education should be solidified, adding that quality primary and secondary education  are foundations for better future.

ODU stated that Offa Grammar School had contributed significantly to human capital development in the country.

It added that the discipline and academic excellence of the institution had contributed greatly to the socio-economic, political and vocational advancement of the nation.

The union called on government, alumni associations, Parent Teacher Associations, corporate organisations and individuals to assist in providing sufficient infrastructure, human and other resources needed for qualitative education.