Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said any nation that fails to prioritise its education sector risks stagnation and underdevelopment.
Obasanjo stated this 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 facilities were donated by Dr Adefisayo Oduwole of the 1976 set of the school’s alumni as part of activities marking the institution’s 50th anniversary.
The former president stressed that learning is a lifelong process and urged well-meaning Nigerians to invest in education to improve the standard of learning in the country.
Obasanjo said, “What we are doing here today is unique and should be encouraged so that others can emulate it.
“I am a lover of education. Otherwise, what would I be doing at the age of 80 pursuing a PhD? There is no end to learning, and the more educated you are, the better you become.
“The day you stop learning, you start dying. Any investment in education is worthwhile.”
Obasanjo described the gesture by Oduwole as commendable, noting that improved educational facilities would enhance the quality of learning, especially in science and technology.
He added that the benefactor deserved recognition to encourage others to support the development of schools across the country.
“In a country like Nigeria, there are many areas of the education sector that need support. Enhancing laboratory facilities to improve science and technology education is a worthy contribution,” he said.
The former president also advised the school management to ensure proper maintenance and security of the refurbished facilities.
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.
He said such contributions complemented government efforts in improving the education sector.
“They have contributed to renovating school buildings, constructing libraries, providing essential facilities such as students’ restrooms, supplying computers and even supporting security services in schools. The present administration appreciates these contributions,” he said.
Olayiwola added that the state government under Governor Seyi Makinde remained committed to repositioning the education sector through various initiatives.
He also commended the alumni for their contributions to the development of the school.
Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor of Adeleke University, Osun State, Dr Deji Adeleke, praised Oduwole for giving back to his alma mater and urged other philanthropists to support educational development.
In a sideline interview with The PUNCH, the benefactor, Oduwole, said the project was aimed at inspiring students to pursue careers in science and other professional fields.
“The motive behind this gesture is to encourage the students to become professionals, scientists, developers and engineers of tomorrow. The aim is to provide them with a conducive learning environment,” he said.
On the maintenance of the laboratories, Oduwole said the alumni would work with the school to ensure the facilities were properly maintained.
“We want the students to protect the facilities, and we will also support their maintenance to ensure the environment remains conducive for learning,” he added.
Earlier in her welcome address, the school’s principal, Mrs Mojisola Tiamiyu, appreciated the 1976 set for the gesture and urged current students to emulate the spirit of the alumni by giving back to their alma mater in the future.
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