Atiku: Education Remains Key to Unlocking Nigeria’s Potential, No Better Investment

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reiterated that education remains the master key to unlocking Nigeria’s huge potential which will set the country on the path to full socio-economic development.

He noted that education being a currency is crucial for national unity, stability, and development, while emphasising that an educated citizenry is less prone to being manipulated by divisive elements.

Speaking on Sunday at the Graduation and Prize-giving Day of Pacesetters’ School, Abuja, the former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), believes that adequate funding and a curriculum promoting entrepreneurship are essential for achieving this goal.

Abubakar also stressed the importance of education in his own life, stating it has made him who he is today.

His words: “I’d like to congratulate my friend, Barr. Kenneth Imansuangbon for investing in human development. There’s no better investment than education, as it empowers individuals to become engineers, doctors, or whatever profession they choose.

“I commend the Pacesetters Schools’ noble cause and challenge them to expand from nursery, primary and secondary school to university.

“I congratulate the graduating students, and I’m thrilled to see some of my own graduates among them. I thank the Chairman for inviting me to this historic event, which aligns with my passion for education. Even in retirement, I look forward to returning to university,” he said.

The former Vice President compared the United States Peace Corps to Nigeria’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), sharing a personal experience from 1961 when Peace Corps American teachers were deployed to his secondary school in Northern Nigeria, filling a gap left by departing British teachers.

He said this significantly impacted his education, adding that the experience inspired him to adopt an American curriculum in his schools.

In his remarks, Chairman of the School, Kenneth Imansuangbon, emphasized the importance of education in shaping individuals and society.

He highlighted Pacesetters’ Schools aim to produce independent-minded individuals who can create their own opportunities rather than waiting for white-collar jobs.

Imansuangbon also stressed that the school’s goal is to refine students and equip them with the skills necessary to make a positive impact in society.

Lawmaker representing Abia Central in the National Assembly, Senator Augustine Akobundu; wife of the governor of Zamfara State, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal; former National Chairman of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Dan Nwanyanwu among others were among dignitaries at the event.

Besides graduation of the pupils, the event also featured special award to the mother of the Chairman of the School, Mrs. Elizabeth Imansuangbon.