Abuja, 26 January, 2025 / 10:00 PM
The former Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has blamed the failures in the Nigerian education system to the taking over of Catholic schools and other mission schools in the West African nation.
In an interview with ACI Africa on Friday, January 24 on the sidelines of a national quiz competition that was organized by Nigeria’s Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja to commemorate the 2025 International Day for Education, Ambassador Martin Ehoeghian Uhomoibhi described the government’s decision to take over mission schools as a significant misstep.
“When the schools were taken over, they lost direction. Many lacked the resources both material and human to maintain the standards set by the missionaries. This decision caused severe harm to the educational system, which we are still grappling with today,” Ambassador Uhomoibhi told ACI Africa.
He added, “The government should offer scholarships and build schools instead of taking over institutions they cannot manage. Education must be rooted in integrity, fear of God, and love of humanity.”
“The biggest tragedy that has befallen our nation in the area of education is the taking over of Catholic Schools by the Nigerian Government,” the Nigerian Diplomat said.
Ambassador Uhomoibhi underscored the unique attributes of Catholic education, in particular, saying, “Education should broaden your mind and help you see the bigger picture. It’s not just about professing faith but about living your faith in service to humanity and your relationship with God. Catholic education excels in fostering this mindset.”
On the state of education in Nigeria, the former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations provided a balanced perspective.
“There are two narratives about Nigeria: the pathological narrative that focuses solely on what is wrong and another that highlights what is right. While there are challenges, there are also significant achievements to acknowledge,” he said.
He pointed out that at independence in 1960, Nigeria had only one university college, University College Ibadan, established in 1948.
“Today, the literacy rate and the number of universities in Nigeria have grown significantly. The population of literate people in Nigeria today surpasses the total population of some European countries,” he explained.
The Nigerian Diplomat highlighted the importance of formative education and the use of artificial intelligence in turning Nigeria’s education system around.
“Artificial intelligence and other advancements are important, but what truly matters is how we shape our children during their formative years. This foundation determines who they become as adults,” he explained.
The Diplomat lauded the Catholic Church for maintaining its focus on character formation and holistic education.
“Knowledge, faith in God, competence, integrity, and character remain the bedrock of Catholic education. These principles are crucial for building a nation and raising individuals who can contribute meaningfully to society,” Ambassador Uhomoibhi said.
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