Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince 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 convocation lecture of the University of Ilorin, 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 in such a way to “imbue in us the democratic values of tolerance, respect for others
and for the Rule of Law”.
The attorney general also said that Nigeria’s educational system must be overhauled to re-orientate the 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 behoves 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 at once.
“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”, he said.
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 the 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 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 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 Unilorin vice-chancellor, Professor Wahab Egbewole (SAN), who said “No education, no nation”, added that
education plays a pivotal role in democratic settings.
“Citizens should be educated to be able to ask a right questions from their leaders. It promotes values of integrity, accountability among others”.
Talking 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.
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