Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for the total overhaul of the Nigerian Educational system, further decrying the rot in the nation’s universities, saying some have become breeding grounds for cultism and social vices.
Jonathan made his remarks on Saturday at a convocation lecture at the Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu. He described the development as unfortunate, adding “this is a major burden to civilisation and social transformation.”
His words, “As a nation, therefore, we must never be weary of prioritising education, especially the type that is anchored on ethics and innovation, because it is the path towards a secure future and sustainable peace.”
He added, “Education is of no essence if it does not place a high premium on productivity as well as the character of the citizen.
“It is a sad development for our educational system that our students, lecturers, and other members of the university community can no longer move freely in campuses without fear. In our days, students didn’t have to bother about their safety while on campus at any time of day. This is no longer the case. No nation can develop if it does not find answers to such an unfortunate state of affairs in an environment where we groom our future leaders.
“It is apt to say that character which is manifested in the virtues of honesty, integrity and courage, is the strength of education. A society profits more when the recipients of knowledge are led by these traits to positively influence their environment,” he explained.
