Mbanefo @ 94: Moghalu calls for curriculum review, adequate funding of education

By Gabriel Dike

Former Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof. Kingsley Moghalu on Tuesday advocated for a comprehensive review of the nation’s curriculum to meet the current global reality.

Prof. Moghalu, spoke at the 5th Arthur Mbanefo lecture to mark Chief Mbanefo’s 94th birthday held at Arthur Mbanefo Digital Research Centre (AMDRC), University of Lagos (UNILAG), said the current curriculum is not producing the expected results.

The former presidential candidate of Young Progressive Party (YPP) also made a call for an increase in the funding of the education sector by both the federal and state governments.

The lecture titled: “Education and National Development: Meeting Nigeria’s Challenge in the 21st Century”, attracted former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Bayo Ojo, Senator Bode Olajumoke, former chairman, Seplat Energy, Dr. Ambrose Orjiako, Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, the celebrant, Chief Arthur Mbanefo and several dignitaries.

He said Nigeria’s 21st-century education policy should reflect a commitment to providing equitable, inclusive, and high-quality education that empowers individuals, strengthens communities, and drives national development.

Said he: “Taking lessons from countries with strong education systems, the nation’s education policy should prioritize several key areas.”

“Given the rapidly evolving global landscape and the increasing importance of technology, science, entrepreneurship, and teacher training in driving economic growth and innovation, Nigeria must realign its education curriculum, particularly at the tertiary level, to prioritize these areas.

“By allocating 70% of the curriculum to technology, science,entrepreneurship, and teacher training, Nigeria can better equip its youth with the skills and knowledge needed to compete in the 21st century economy, foster entrepreneurship, and improve the quality of education across the board.”

On funding, Moghalu stressed that the education sector urgently requires enhanced financing, accompanied by clear and impartial guidelines for education financing that transcend individual political interests.

He explained foreign investment in education in Nigeria should be encouraged and strategically pursued.

His words: “This approach will serve three functions; enhance the pool of human capital needed for broad-based economic productivity, limits the drain on Nigeria’s foreign reserves created by the demands of paying for tertiary education abroad, and reverse the brain drain.”

UNILAG VC, Prof. Ogunsola said the centre was designed to serve as a digital research Hub where students and relevant stakeholders can have access to digital resource learning to advance research and post-graduate studies.

Ogunsola said the university has been in the forefront of Artificial Intelligence and digital learning, “we have over 23 research centres and four innovation and technology Hubs.”

In his speech, Chief Mbanefo wondered why Senators would earn more than vice chancellors and professors, stating,

“I represented Nigeria in the UN, my salary was #36,000.”

The former ambassador said the country is bigger than the political class and warned that if the government fail to develop the country, the youths will continue to Japa.”