By Bode Akinbode
The Proprietor of Shafaudeen Group of Schools, Prof. (Engr.) Sabit Ariyo Olagoke JP, has stressed the urgent need for comprehensive educational reform in Nigeria, highlighting the critical issues that affect the quality and accessibility of education in the country.
He made this known at the weekend, during the school’s 11th Valedictory Service/Graduation Ceremony and
20th anniversary held at Shafaudeen CRCT untra modern hall, Wakajaye, Ibadan
Speaking on the theme titled, “Nigeria Acquired Education and Challenges of Merit and Standards: The Socialization Process Question,” Prof. Olagoke urged government officials at all levels to prioritise adequate funding for education.
He insisted that education management agencies must eliminate extortion in schools and enforce strict curriculum compliance through effective monitoring mechanisms.
“Today, retired teachers collect between N1.6 million to N4 million as gratuity, often with delays of up to ten years after serving the nation for 35 years,” he revealed.
He further remarked, “The economy is artisan-driven, while our political life is hoodlum-driven. Is this not reflected in our daily life in Nigeria, where quackery and smart practices earn us short and ailing lifespans?”
Prof. Olagoke highlighted the stark contrast between the lifestyles of the elite and the pervasive poverty faced by many.
“The elites run kleptomaniac lives of ostentation and wasteful spending while poverty is the dividend of democracy in Nigeria for the teeming masses,” he stated.
He expressed concern over the phenomenon of graduate unemployment, linking it to the troubling “JAPA saga,” which has led many to emigrate.
He also addressed the xenophobia faced by Nigerians in South Africa and the hostility encountered by them in Ghana, where the “Nigeria Must Go” chant has become prevalent.
“Increasing security challenges emerge as the cost of living becomes an unbearable phenomenon in Nigeria,” he added.
Prof. Olagoke called on President Bola Tinubu and all 36 governors to take educational issues seriously, advocating better support for families, staff motivation, pensioners, and living wages for workers.
“For this new generation to be fit to fix Nigeria’s future, they must be considered the main events of government priorities through education management boost and timely adjustments to living wages for ethical professional practice, quality and standard, and employment boom for our youth to be gainfully engaged,” he asserted.
The Islamic scholar posed a poignant question, saying, “Why should teachers and lecturers, who have contributed significantly to building this country through education, be beggars in the country they jointly built?”
He, however, called for a collaborative approach to educational reform, adding that, “Government must see through the correct lens. Nigeria’s acquired education and challenges of merit and standards must be addressed appropriately and timely to be functionally relevant in the scheme of nation-building.”
He urged the National Orientation Agency (NOA), anti-graft agencies, security agencies, the media, and all professional bodies to work ethically and seriously with the government on the socialisation process to restore sanity and ensure a secured future for children and youth.
Earlier in the event, Principal Alhaji Muslim Lasisi encouraged the graduands to stay focused, work hard, and believe in themselves.
“Your future is full of possibilities. Be kind, respectful, and open-minded. Learn from failures and never give up on your dreams,” he advised.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating students, the Senior Prefect Kareem Tijani, expressed appreciation to the school, management, teachers, and parents for their positive roles in achieving their current status.
The ceremony culminated in the presentation of certificates to the graduands, along with awards for outstanding students.
Ends
