The lingering narrative among some young Nigerians that schooling is a waste of time has drawn sharp criticism from the Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu. Speaking passionately to students, the lawmaker dismissed the notion, describing formal learning as an irreplaceable passport to personal development and meaningful societal participation.
The senator shared that his own dedication to learning was deeply rooted in advice he received from his parents decades ago. He noted that losing his mother early in life cemented his realization that knowledge remains the most reliable tool to carve out a respectable future.
The event, which brought together key stakeholders, took place at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Kuto, Abeokuta, during the annual SAS Omoyayi Educational Support Programme. Centered around the theme of empowering tomorrow’s leaders, the gathering served as a platform for leaders to advocate for stronger educational foundations and digital literacy. Addressing the eager students, Salisu encouraged them to embrace their studies boldly, reminding them that they have access to far better resources and role models than previous generations. He urged them to stand firm in doing what is right, even if it means standing out from the crowd.
Echoing similar sentiments, the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Dapo Abiodun administration to elevate educational standards across the state. He encouraged the senator to sustain his advocacy and support for learners, reinforcing that knowledge remains the ultimate form of empowerment.
Adding his voice to the discourse, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide, compared educational investments to planting seeds whose true harvest is seen when the beneficiaries eventually attain greatness. He emphasized that equipping young minds with learning provides the vast majority of what they need to navigate life successfully, advising the students to maximize the opportunity and pay it forward in the future.
Rounding off the event, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Comrade Noah Sewakanu, charged the beneficiaries to make the most of the educational materials distributed to them. He implored them to remain diligent in their studies and act as proud ambassadors of the state on their journey to greatness.
