Greetings to the God-fearing people of Rivers State. Welcome to another episode of Rivethics on Radio, our character-building weekend show. Please remember that education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom, power and wealth. Today’s episode is titled Evolving an Educational System That answers National and Industrial Questions.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” So said the late Nelson Mandela of South Africa. The big question is, how is our education system in Nigeria changing our great country? We can do more at the National level to create the right environment for learning in our country. In the United States of America, the average endowment among the 10 Universities with the largest endowments is $16.6 billion. That is how seriously that country takes education. Of course we may not be able to boast of anything near such huge investment, however, we can leverage on opportunities like the internet to enrich the quality of education and research in our country. So, how well are we investing on the internet? Women are known to be the greatest catalysts for education. How well are we educating and empowering our women to play their pivotal role in extending education to future generations?
Kofi Anan once made this strong assertion about education, thus: Education is a human right with immense power to transform. On its foundation rests the cornerstone of freedom, democracy and sustainable human development.
Our youths should become the symbol of modern qualitative education despite the apparent difficulties and challenges facing education in our country. Each individual youth should feel challenged to make a difference and determine to become a life-long student despite the odds. I urge us all not to wait until all obstacles are removed. The time to do something is now. Let us always remember that there are places where education is considered a threat and a danger to society. Let us make the best use of what we have. Like Malala Yousafzai, the young woman that won a Nobel Prize at the age of 17 said, “I don’t mind if I have to sit on the floor at school. All I want is education. And I’m not afraid of no one.”
In the knowledge society like we have around the world today, the goal of education should not be to breed merely success-driven candidates. The goal rather should be to build valuable individuals who, instead of chasing success, will attract success to themselves. There is a paradigm shift in education that places the responsibility on the student, teachers and society to make the student valuable and competitive in the marketplace. 80% of that burden rests on the student.
Our guest speaker this weekend is Mr. Robinson Tombari Sibe a computer scientist and education professional. He will throw more light on today’s subject from an interesting angle.
Our cordial and peace-loving people of Rivers State, don’t forget to always let your manners speak for you.
God bless and keep you and your families. And God bless Rivers State.
Her Excellency, Justice (Mrs.) Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike
The Wife of the Governor of Rivers State and
Initiator of the RivEthics Character Development Programme.
You can also listen to and download the Pidgin English version of this Episode below