UNIJOS VC Laments Soaring Figure of Out-of-School Children in Nigeria

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, has lamented the soaring figure of out-of-school children in Nigeria, stressing that there are many dimensions to lack of access to education in the country.

The Vice Chancellor was represented by his deputy, Prof. Rahila Gowon at the opening ceremony of a two-day conference on Conflict Resolution and Peace Building, organised by Solomon and Mary Lar Foundation in collaboration with the Department of Political Science, University of Jos.

The VC however, commended the wife of the pioneer National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Professor Mary Lar for championing the establishment of Nomadic education in the country, calling for the establishment of Nomadic education in all farming communities across the country.

Speaking at the event, Wife of Late Chief Solomon Lar called on Nigerians to shun tribal and religious sentiments to support and uphold values that promote peaceful co-existence, love and unity in the country.

The Matriarch, while recounting the life and times of her husband said he told her on his death bed to make peace, love and unity in Plateau and Nigeria a priority.

She said that her husband, after a long and happy marriage, and following the tragic loss of their son, urged her to spread the message of peace, love, and unity to their community.

Emphasising the importance of instilling values of peace, love, and unity in children from a young age, which she perceived as foundational for a harmonious society, Mrs. Lar shared the story of a seven-year-old student and his understanding of peace, love, and unity, highlighting feelings of safety, happiness, and togetherness within the family and community.

She said, “Following Solomon’s passing, I felt compelled to honor his last words by establishing a foundation dedicated to promoting these values, which reflects on the significance of respecting the wisdom of elders and the importance of community support.”

She expressed gratitude to community leaders and members for their support and emphasized the need for collective efforts to uphold the values of peace, love, and unity.

She also pointed out that the establishment of the foundation was to promote these values which serve as a lasting tribute to Chief Solomon Lar.

Meanwhile, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Samuel Jatau, said Chief Lar is remembered as a good man who left a lasting legacy in the state and Nigeria with many people identifying with him and his contributions.

He urged the Solomon and Mary Lar Foundation to expand its scope beyond family ties to include others who share Lar’s vision to help in preserving and growing his legacy.

He emphasized the importance of recognizing Mrs. Lar, who is still alive and has made significant contributions as a Professor and former ambassador, encouraging Plateau citizens to turn adversity into strength for growth and unity.

He pledged financial support of N10 million to the Foundation to aid in its ongoing work.

In his remarks, the Commissioner of Housing and Urban Development Hon. Joshua Ubandoma Laven, one of Chief Lar’s political sons, described him as an icon and embodiment of peace, love and unity.

According to Laven, Chief Lar during his reign as Governor of Plateau State upheld peace, love and unity as his watchwords. 

The Pioneer National Chairman of the PDP and first Civilian Governor of Plateau State, Chief Solomon Lar died in 2013 at the age of 80 years.