Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has warned that Nigeria is paying a heavy price for years of neglect and underfunding of its education sector, describing many schools across the country as broken and poorly equipped.
Osinbajo made the remarks while delivering a lecture at the 94th Founders’ Day celebration of Igbobi College, where he stressed that the decline in educational standards poses a serious threat to the nation’s future.
He said the quality of foundational education is critical to shaping the character, discipline and leadership capacity of future generations, noting that many of the values that guide adults are formed during their early school years. According to him, discipline, respect for rules and a sense of responsibility are cultivated at a young age through structured schooling.
The former vice president observed that by the time individuals reach adulthood, their ethical instincts are largely established, making early education the most crucial stage for building responsible citizens and leaders.
Osinbajo also lamented chronic underfunding, which he said has left many public schools struggling with poor infrastructure, inadequate learning materials and unconducive teaching environments.
While calling on governments at all levels to prioritise education funding, he urged alumni associations, private organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to support schools through endowments and other interventions, saying collective responsibility is key to restoring standards and strengthening educational institutions nationwide.
Abuja Network News
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