Follow Us on Google
By Vivian Onyebukwa
President of Highstone International University California (HIU), Nigeria chapter, Engr. Stephen Oluremi Olutimo, has called for the restructuring of the education system in the country.
Speaking at the fifth matriculation and convocation of the institution, organised by NIPEM Professional Education Management International at the Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, recntly, Olutimo stressed the need for school curriculum to be completely revised.
According to him, the education in Nigeria will compete favourably with the systems in the advanced world when there is a complete restructuring in the system.
He added that HIU, which has its headquarters in California, United States, was not set up in Nigeria to compete with other institutions of higher learning, but rather help to enhance what is already in existence.
Talking about the convocation and matriculation, which also featured the award of honorary doctorate degrees to some Nigerians who have made significant contributions to the growth of culture and science at local, state or international level, he described it as the first of its kind.
He said: “Th people who received honorary doctorate degree have indeed contributed to the global growth of culture and science, the contribution must be ongoing and long-lasting. One should be able to document the national or international impact of the contributions. It must be clear that the contributor is creative and their contributions are extraordinary.”
He further stated that the recognition was also for individuals whose life and achievements serve as examples of the university’s aspirations for its students.
On the ongoing Academic Staff Union of the Universities (ASUU) strike, he observed that all the parties involved have experienced setbacks, adding that a win-win scenario between the aggrieved parties was the best course of action.
Also, delivering his lecture at the event, Prof. Uche Ogah, vice-chancellor, African University of Benin, decried the state of education in the country.
According to him, some graduates cannot defend their certificates. He, therefore, called for a change in the education system. He gave an instance of a non-entrepreneur teaching entrepreneurship.
Expressing his dismay, he said: “Enough of theories. Things must change. Start empowering our students by teaching marketing. It is high time we taught our students innovation, refined entrepreneurship and not teach them investment education, to come out as sound entrepreneurs.
“We have to review our curriculum, teach them technical education. Let there be workshops, theories and practical activities for them to become their own bosses”.
He stated that entrepreneurship teachers should be industrialists, not just those with certificates: “We don’t want paper graduates. COVID has showed Africans that they can stand on their own.”
He recommended for nations of Africa to introduce incubation centres where refined professors can be kept, so that people could go there and learn.
He equally advocated for creation of universities for professional courses such as Medicine and Business, among others, to give the students functional education business.
With these, according to him, the entrepreneurship will increase and help the government solve the problem of unemployment.
“The books are over now. For those who want to go into entrepreneurship, don’t be lazy. Entrepreneurship does encourage laziness,” he advised.
On his part, head of mission, International Peace and Governance Council (IPGC Africa) on United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Agenda 2030 for education drive in Nigeria, Dr. Jonathan Ojadah, said: “Today in the history of education in Africa, particularly Nigeria, HIU, through its African chapter, is standing to be counted as one of the solution providers to national and international sustainable education drive.”
While commending the institution for awarding honorary doctorate degree to some individuals, Ojadah, who was the special guest at the occasion, urged all students to be good ambassadors of the institution in their endeavours.
Describing the 17 sustainable development goals as humanity’s most ambitious plan for a better Africa and the world at large, he stated: “In September 2015, 193 countries agreed on these 17 goals and 169 sub-goals at the UN General Assembly. These SDG’s provides Africa and the world at large guidance for addressing the global challenges facing the international community.”
According to him, the 17 goals cover all three areas of sustainable development being ecological, economic and social. He said that the sustainable development goals were a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity.
“They are the goals the UN is working on across all its member states in Africa and across the globe,” he added.
Ojadah called on the private sector and companies to be involved in achieving the SDGs.
Emphasising the need for global peace, he said: “We must prepare for peace. The most important thing is to build a culture of peace and if we are genuinely committed to promoting a culture of peace, we must check our values and ensure that we all exhibit a peace-loving life to our communities.”
President, NIPEM International, Prof Maurice Azubuike Odiete, stated that their primary objective is to provide mass education and employment to Nigerians and Africans, and raise competent professionals, effective leaders and entrepreneurs that will help transform the global economy. “Here, we help discover and assist the students to develop their technical skills with emphasis on self growth and reliance,” he said.
Some of the awardees of honorary doctorate degree who spoke in an interview commended HIU for recognising them in such capacity and assured to contribute more to the growth of culture, science and other fields.
Those who received doctorate degree include Sanusi Taofiq Dele, Neuro Engineering; Abubakar Ibrahim Dauda, Management Information Systems, among others. This is for their impact and input in the Nigerian economy, entrepreneurship, etc.
Distinguished students of the year award for creativity and excellence went to Charles Blessing Chiamaka and Ukpo Emmanuel Sunday, while overall best graduating student award was clinched by Ndubuaku Glory Adaobi.
Male best lecturer award went to Dr Sotonwa Semiu Aderoji. Female best lecturer award for the year was given to Dr Oyebode Florence.
In recognising every individual who has contributed in one way or the other to the development and success of the institution, Nonye Ibeike, received the award.
Nwokoro Kenneth, on behalf of the students, thanked the management for increasing their education zeal. He also appreciated the founder, Ambassador Moses Azubuike, for the centre.
While admonishing the matriculating students, Rev Fidel Aduaye-Odiete, who was the father of the day, urged them to serve as ambassadors of the school. “When you step out, your character should reflect that you went to the school,” he said.
Princess Deborah Foundation team up to ensure the average youth is empowered.
