Fund Education, Fight Corruption, or Lose a Generation, Foundation Cations FG

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

Chairman of the Open Africa Foundation, Tunji Aworinde, has criticised poor government investment in education, citing dilapidated school infrastructure and the high number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

Aworinde, who spoke at the 11th annual Hope for Nigeria Conference for secondary school students, urged the government to tackle corruption and mismanagement of public resources as well as channel more funds into classrooms and other educational facilities.

The conference themed, ‘If Government Fails, Hope Must Not Fail’, was held at the Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa (Lifecamp) auditorium, Abuja, and brought together not less than 300 students from 25 public and private secondary schools within the Federal Capital Territory.

He said some pupils move around classrooms to avoid leaking roofs, while others in some states sit on bare floors to receive lessons, noting that the situation requires urgent attention to give young Nigerians better learning opportunities.

The chairman also urged students to look beyond ethnic, religious and political differences and see themselves first as Nigerians, stressing that national prosperity would benefit all citizens.

He said the foundation established the initiative to promote peace, national unity, education and the wellbeing of young people.

As part of the conference, the foundation organised an essay competition to encourage students to reflect on governance and their responsibilities in nation-building.

An Assistant Director at the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Cordelia Olomu, commended the Foundation for its role at the ongoing ‘For Nigeria’ conference.

Speaking in an interview, she said the conference is centred on national development and represents a collective effort for Nigeria’s future which is geared towards advancing education and national development.

Idam Oko Jonathan Michael, a 15-year-old SS3 Science student of Army Day Secondary School, Mogadishu Cantonment, Asokoro, emerged winner from over 100 entries and received N100,000 and a plaque.

Nnajeme Obinna of Government Secondary School, Byazhin, Abuja, came second with N75,000, while Adewumi Oluwanishola Lewis of Government Secondary School, Ushafa, placed third with N50,000.

Michael said he drew inspiration from real-life experiences and events in his environment, adding that he used Artificial Intelligence to research figures he was uncertain about to ensure accuracy.

The conference also featured presentations on technology and Artificial Intelligence, drug abuse prevention and rehabilitation, and career opportunities in the Nigeria Police Force.

Aworinde said the foundation hopes to encourage young people to develop positive values, pursue their ambitions and contribute to a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.