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Speaking at the Silver Jubilee of Madonna University, Elele,
River state, and the centenary celebration of the International Federation of
Catholic Universities, the Deputy Speaker said Nigeria cannot ignore the
pressing challenges facing young people by having access to quality education
He said: “In Nigeria, we are acutely aware of the challenges
that young people face regarding access to quality education. As a parliament,
the National Assembly has recognized the urgency of addressing these challenges
and has taken proactive steps to expand access to higher education.
“Initiatives such as establishing the Tertiary Education
Trust Fund (Tetfund) for infrastructure development and scholarship provision
have been instrumental in improving educational facilities and supporting
deserving students.
“Moreover, the ongoing efforts to amend the Access to Higher
Education Act 2023 which has passed through third reading in the House of
Representatives underscores our commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian
child, regardless of economic circumstances, has the opportunity to pursue a
university education.
“Once amended, the Access to Higher Education Act will serve
as a beacon of hope for countless young Nigerians, opening doors to new
possibilities and empowering individuals to contribute meaningfully to our
nation’s development.
“By prioritizing inclusivity and equity in higher education,
we can unleash the full potential of our youth and cultivate a generation of
leaders equipped to address the multifaceted challenges facing our society.
“Through strategic initiatives such as the provision of
loans for indigent students, the Federal Government is working tirelessly to
ensure that every Nigerian child has the opportunity to pursue higher
education, regardless of their financial circumstances.
This commitment to inclusive education is further
exemplified by the substantial allocation of funds to the education sector in
the 2024 budget, with N1.54 trillion dedicated to the Federal Ministry of
Education and its agencies – this amount is higher than the N1.08 trillion the
education ministry received in the 2023 budget.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to education is
evident in this budgetary allocation, which reflects his administration’s
dedicated commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders and
innovators.”
Kalu also stated that in the age of rapid technological
advancement, universities must embrace technology in learning and leverage it
to address the nation’s complex challenges.
He asked Nigerians to reduce the emphasis on certificates
and focus more on the acquisition of skills and knowledge needed to meet the
present-day harsh realities.
“Universities should not merely be institutions for the
dissemination of knowledge but should serve as hubs for innovation and
problem-solving. By adapting theories to suit local challenges and prioritizing
solutions that have a tangible impact on society, universities can fulfill
their role as engines of socio-economic development.
“Employers should also recognize the value of local
knowledge and problem-solving skills, prioritizing them over certificates from
prestigious institutions.
“Education should not be solely about obtaining certificates
but should be focused on equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge
needed to address real-world challenges and drive positive change.
“As government representatives, we must actively engage with universities to seek solutions to pressing issues, from policy formulations to technological innovations. By fostering collaboration between academia, government, and industry, we can harness the full potential of our universities as drivers of progress and prosperity.”
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