Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has stressed the need to reform the nation’s educational system in such a way that it would nurture democracy and society.

Fagbemi, who spoke on Friday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, while delivering the convocation lecture of the University of Ilorin, titled, Nurturing Democratic Values and Education for the Future of Nigeria, said “Nigeria’s educational system must be overhauled in such a way to imbue in us the democratic values of tolerance, respect for others and for the Rule of Law”.

The Attorney General added that Nigeria’s educational system must be overhauled to re-orientate the citizens to understand that democracy is synonymous with engagement, transparency and collaboration, “not just a theoretical concept devoid of challenges and conflicts”.

The legal practitioner, who said that education reform should involve focusing on transforming the way Nigerian people think through education, added: “Success should be measured by our broadmindedness and openness to all aspects of life – nature, society, history, truth, and most importantly, to our fellow humans who work with us towards a common
goal.

“It is doubtful whether our current educational system can adequately address these tasks”.

Prince Fagbemi opined that democracy is a dynamic struggle and not static, adding that, it behoves Nigerians to eschew violence in all its ramifications.

“The future of Nigeria requires strong democratic values nurtured through an inclusive, just and equitable educational system. Education and Democracy are mutually reinforcing.

“The task of overhauling the colonial-era curriculum to promote justice, equality, and freedom and create a more just and united society must begin at once.

“In short, the integration of democratic values in our educational system will not
only enhance academic excellence and development, it will also build
transparent and accountable leaders, consolidate national unity, thus making our country, Nigeria, more equitable, just and progressive.”

In his charge to the graduating students of the University, Prince Fagbemi told them to impact positively and not negatively on the society.

He said: “I implore you to use your knowledge and skills, for the good of the society, take initiative, think creatively, advance the social good and eschew evil and all appearances of evil. You must be champions of democracy and advocates of a strong, peaceful, prosperous and united Nigeria.

“Convocation itself marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. It is also a time of looking back and reflecting on the road ahead; when the graduates consider how they can use their newly gained knowledge and skills to contribute positively to society. As you embark on the next chapter in your lives, I urge you to serve with conscience and love for humanity. More than anything else, your education has equipped you to understand the complexities of the society and that there are no definitive black-and-white answers. Always remember that your education is not just a personal accomplishment but a tool for societal influence.”

In his address, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN), who opined that, “no education, no nation”, added that education plays pivotal role in democratic setting.

“Citizens should be educated to be able to ask right question from their leaders. It promotes values of integrity, accountability aming others, ” he admonished.

End.