Former president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday called for the recalibration of the nation’s education curriculum to prioritise skills acquisition, technology and de-emphasise certificates.
He made the call while speaking as chairman on the occasion of the 25th anniversary celebration of Igbinedion University, Okada in Edo State.
The former president said emphasis on skills acquisition and technology in all fields of the country’s educational system was the way to go to hasten the development of the country.
He frowned at cultism and bullying at the nation’s lower school system and called on government at all levels to put a stop to the menace.
He thanked former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, for approving the establishment of Igbinedion University, noting that if he didn’t do that, the establishment of the several private universities in the country would not have been possible.
Dr. Jonathan, while commending the courage and vision of the founder of Igbinedion University, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, in establishing the institution, said because the university was doing well, that gave the impetus to other entrepreneurs to establish other private universities in the country.
The former president who noted challenges women were facing in various career fields, advocated that limitations against women’s progression in their chosen fields of endeavour should be eliminated.
He recalled the challenges faced by women in the military, saying that made him as president, to direct that the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) should commence admission of females into the institution. He said though there was resistance to his directive, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, he had his way.
“While I was pushing for progressive ideas as president some people were resisting them and as soon as I left office, those ideas were abandoned”, the former president said.
Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), commended Chief Igbinedion for his foresight in establishing the university, saying; “25 years ago, we gave a license to establish this university and Esama has been making progress. Esama, we congratulate you.”