One of the greatest tools for mental and national development all over the world is Education.
Education is the most powerful weapon which could be used to change the world even positively. The above thought by Nelson Mandela cannot be over stressed because the value of education and cultural heritage is unprecedented. Hence government needs to invest hugely in education to academically, economically and socially empower citizens particularly youths, as well as reduce insecurity and crime minimally.
Let us not forget in a hurry that, Nelson Mandela was a man who carried varied and numerous titles throughout his life. He was, among other things, a revolutionary, nonviolence anti-apartheid activist, philanthropist, human rights activist, the first black president of South Africa and a Nobel Peace Prize winner who spent 27 years in prison for his efforts to bring harmony and equality education to South Africa. One of his great legacies was his firm contributions to quality and affordable education.
Obviously, the gift of education is indeed something to be celebrated. To work towards Mandela’s honorable vision of a free and equal society, the world will require the knowledge, resources and insight that education brings. The Nelson Mandela quoted about education featured above expresses why education is so important to humanity and society.
In addition, education is an investment essential to empowering individuals to reach their full potential and to make their own positive impact to humanity, society and the world.
Furthermore, education is a solid engine of personal development. It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, the son of a mine worker become head of the mine, a child of farm worker become the president of a great nation. It is what we make out of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from another.
It is not beyond human power to create a world in which all children have access to good education. Those who do not believe this have low thought or small imaginations.
Today, Imo State is rejoicing over the recovery of the then Rochas Easthern Palm University Ogokop in Ideato South by the governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma.
Indeed, this great news is one of the giant strides of the governor of Imo state that requires medals and commendations.
But to me, this is the beginning of great things in Imo State, as this will usher in the first ever Federal University of Imo State, built and renamed Federal University of Agriculture which will require his Excellency to go for it.
Let us be reminded that Nnamdi Azikiwe University was established in 1991 by Edict No. 5 of Anambra State and subsequently handed over to the Federal Government pursuant to Decree No. 34 of 1992 now Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act Cap N139 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. It is founded on the philosophy that knowledge should be propagated and disseminated to individuals without let or hindrance. Teaching and Research would be anchored on the needs of national and international societies. Nnamdi Azikiwe who the University was named after, stood out clearly in enhancing university education in the country and Africa at large. The University is poised to make a difference both in the young and the old.
It is now the turn of Imo State to pursue the recognition and handing over the University of Agriculture and Technology Umuagwo to the federal government, for the benefit of Imo people.
Your Excellency, be the Nelson Mandela of our time and give us the best in education in Imo State.
Our dear Governor it is wise to note that if activities resume in the institution as Federal University it will definitely reduce unemployment bedevilling the state and it will be another credit to your government of which humanity will not forget you for it in a hurry.
