Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, on Sunday reiterated the place of education in ensuring national unity, stability, and development, stating that an educated citizenry is less prone to being manipulated by divisive elements.
Atiku, who spoke at the Graduation and Prize-giving Day of Pacesetters’ School, Abuja, said there is no better investment than education as it empowers individuals to dream and achieve their dreams.
He said education remains the master key to unlocking Nigeria’s huge potential and setting the country on the path to full socio-economic development, but this requires adequate funding and a curriculum that promotes entrepreneurship.
He stressed the importance of education in his own life and how it has made him who he is today.
“I’d like to congratulate my friend, Barr. Kenneth Imansuangbon, for investing in human development. There’s no better investment than education, as it empowers individuals to become engineers, doctors, or whatever profession they choose,” Atiku said.
“I commend the Pacesetters Schools’ noble cause and challenge them to expand from nursery, primary and secondary school to university.
“I congratulate the graduating students, and I’m thrilled to see some of my own graduates among them. I thank the Chairman for inviting me to this historic event, which aligns with my passion for education. Even in retirement, I look forward to returning to university,” he said.
Likening the United States Peace Corps to Nigeria’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Atiku shared a personal experience from 1961 when Peace Corps American teachers were deployed to his secondary school in Northern Nigeria to fill a gap left by departing British teachers.
He said the experience significantly impacted his education and, eventually, inspired him to adopt an American curriculum in his schools.
Speaking also, Chairman of the School, Kenneth Imansuangbon, emphasized the importance of education in shaping individuals and society.
Imansuangbon stated that Pacesetters Schools aim to produce independent-minded individuals who can create their own opportunities rather than wait for white-collar jobs, adding that the school’s goal is to refine students and equip them with the skills necessary to make a positive impact in society.
Dignitaries at the event include the lawmaker representing Abia Central in the National Assembly, Senator Augustine Akobundu; wife of the governor of Zamfara State, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal; former National Chairman of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Dan Nwanyanwu, among others.
