Former Ondo Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko has counselled Nigerian migrants seeking better education and economic opportunities abroad as escape route from poverty in Nigeria to create safeguard for positive gains.
He gave the advice on Thursday while delivering the University of Benin (UNIBEN) Convocation Lecture titled: “The Poor Also Deserve Education: Our Founding Heroes’ Legacies In Educational Equity and Equality”.
Mimiko stated that the obvious disparity in the standard of education between the Northern and the Southern parts of Nigeria ought to be frontally tackled to bring needed equity and equality in access and opportunities to all.
Referring the Japa syndrome, Mimiko said most of the Emigrants are propelled by loss of trust and confidence in the polity, noting that many who fortunately make it to greener pastures have become major contributors to the economy, through diaspora remittances that is in the region of over $20 billion annually?
‘Japa’ syndrome – a loosely translates to run away or “escape, which found its way into Nigerian colloquial expression that is used to convey the idea of swift and evasive action in Yoruba language.
Speaking further, the former Governor said, “This development he says, can be “a veritable platform on which Nigeria can build, as a basis of strengthening the economy going forward”
He further said, “This would however “entail the Country investing massively in education, such that with its demographic advantage, which is heavily skewed in favour of younger Nigerians, the Country would be able to have enough educated and well-trained hands, to join the task of developing the Country, and as export of professional labour.”
“This is having it right on both ends of the stick; but the emphasis here is on investing in education so massively such that at any time, the Country would have an abundance of well-educated labour, from which local developmental initiatives could draw and be driven, and the needs for export of educated labour from the Country would be met”, according to him.
“The poor, now more than ever before, deserve education,” said governments at all levels must pay attention to education such that the less privileged will not be left behind”, he said.
The former Ondo Governor further posited that the structure of Nigeria, which concentrates too much power in the centre and deprives the federating units needed power.
He noted that the current federal structure impede desired growth and development. He also reiterated his call for another look at reworking the constitution of the Federal Republic.
Earlier in her opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Lilian Salami, said the University of Benin has continued to build on her successes and would not rest on her oars.
She said the journey of University of Benin this past 54 years has been marked with monumental achievements, adding that the University has fulfilled the goals and aspirations of her founding fathers.
She added that the lecture will be useful to all Stakeholders in the education sector as well as policy makers.
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