The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has underscored the need to reform the nation’s educational system in such a way that it nurtures democracy and society.
Delivering a convocation lecture titled “Nurturing Democratic Values and Education for the Future of Nigeria” to celebrate the 39th convocation ceremonies of the university in Ilorin on Friday, the legal practitioner said that Nigeria’s educational system must be overhauled to “imbue in us the democratic values of tolerance, respect for others and the Rule of Law.”
The Attorney General also said that Nigeria’s educational system must be overhauled to reorient citizens to understand that democracy is synonymous with engagement, transparency, and collaboration, “not just a theoretical concept devoid of challenges and conflicts.”
The legal practitioner, who said that education reform should involve focusing on transforming the way Nigerian people think through education, added that “success should be measured by our broad-mindedness and openness to all aspects of life – nature, society, history, truth, and most importantly, to our fellow humans who work with us towards a common goal.
“It is doubtful whether our current educational system can adequately address these tasks”.
Prince Fagbemi said that democracy is a dynamic struggle and not static, adding that, it behooves Nigerians to eschew violence in all its ramifications.
“The future of Nigeria requires strong democratic values nurtured through an inclusive, just and equitable educational system. Education and Democracy are mutually reinforcing.
“The task of overhauling the colonial-era curriculum to promote justice, equality, and freedom and create a more just and united society must begin immediately.
“In short, the integration of democratic values in our educational system will not only enhance academic excellence and development, it will also build transparent and accountable leaders, consolidate national unity, thus making our country, Nigeria, more equitable, just and progressive”, but he also said.
“Education empowers individuals by providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions. In a democratic society, an educated populace is better equipped to engage with the political process and hold leaders accountable.”
“It fosters social cohesion by promoting understanding and respect among diverse groups.
The Attorney General added that a democratic education encourages critical thinking and debate, as well as allows students to question authority and challenge unjust practices which will cultivate political awareness and active citizenry.
Fagbemi, however, underscored political equality, personal liberty, human rights safeguarding, adherence to the law, openness and responsibility and citizen involvement as the essence of democratic values for an ethnically diverse society as Nigeria.
Education Loan Fund
Speaking on the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) of President Bola Tinubu, the minister disclosed that the initiative had already started impacting the tertiary education sector. “It is necessary to highlight a few notable achievements of the fund. As of September 2024, the Fund had granted 351,317 loans totaling N84.2 billion.
He also noted that the University of Ilorin stands as a testament to NELFUND’s impact– a beacon of hope for those who strive for knowledge despite financial constraints, Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to education embedded in Renewed Hope agenda.
Fagbemi also encouraged promoting equality and inclusivity as creating fair and just society starts with ensuring.
He added, “These are the fundamental principles of democratic values which are strong enough to ensure equitable and quality education in Nigeria. This is the mischief that the constitution of Nigeria wants to fight by providing that there will be right to freedom from discrimination regardless of a particular community, ethnic group, place or origin, sex, religion or political opinion.”
In his charge to the graduating students of the university, Prince Fagbemi told them to impact positively and not negatively on the society.
“I implore you to use your knowledge and skills, for the good of society, take initiative, think creatively, advance the social good and eschew evil and all appearances of evil. You must be champions of democracy and advocates of a strong, peaceful, prosperous and united Nigeria.
Convocation marks the end of an era
“Convocation itself marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. It is also a time of looking back and reflecting on the road ahead; when the graduates consider how they can use their newly gained knowledge and skills to contribute positively to society. As you embark on the next chapter in your lives, I urge you to serve with conscience and love for humanity. More than anything else, your education has equipped you to understand the complexities of the society and that there are no definitive black-and-white answers. Always remember that your education is not just a personal accomplishment but a tool for societal influence.”
In his address, the Vice Chancellor University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole (SAN), who said, “No education, no nation”, added that
education plays a pivotal role in a democratic setting.
“Citizens should be educated to be able to ask the right questions from their leaders. It promotes values of integrity, and accountability among others”.
About the university graduates, the VC said that they were taught that their education does not end with the receipt of degrees, but to contribute to the ideals of nurturing the country better with knowledge and learning acquired.
Dominica Nwabufo
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