Nigerians need quality education to secure better future – Obasanjo

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday said Nigerians needed qualitative education to secure a better future for the country.

Obasanjo spoke at the first graduation of the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) where he was conferred with honorary doctorate degrees with three others.

He said the country’s youths needed to be well groomed in the areas of sound education as well as unassailable character to hold the position of future leaders.

The former president described education as “the most potent instrument to fight poverty as well as best instrument to protect democracy”.

Obasanjo expressed delight in the contributions of Babalola to the growth of education in the country, and urged other citizens to emulate him.

He also asked Babalola to go into full time politics to be able to contribute more to the development of the country.

“If a single man like Afe Babalola can single handedly make his impact known within less than four years of establishing his university, then I make bold to say he is far more better than most politicians,” Obasanjo said.
He criticised those he described as always prophesying doom and despondency for the country, saying their negative predictions would always come to nullity with the emergence of more of Babalola’s.

Earlier, the founder of the university, Babalola described Obasanjo as the “best living Nigerian”.
“Obasanjo is one man who is usually misunderstood by many, and those who seem to understand him often end up misunderstanding him.

“Whereas, Obasanjo is a rare gift to Africa and a most dedicated Nigerian to the Nigerian cause.

“This is why I decided to name the major entrance road leading to this institution after him as well as consider him for honorary degree,” Babalola said.

The institution’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher, said of the 103 graduands, 16 had first class and 59 second class upper.

Others honoured with Obasanjo included the Minister of Interior, Mr Abba Moro; a businessman, Tunde Yusuf, and UNESCO Deputy Director-General, Mrs Lalla Barka. (NAN)

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