REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE
Administrators of educational institutions in Nigeria especially at the tertiary level have been urged to ensure proper utilisation of government’s budgetary allocations to them to solve the country’s manpower challenges.
The Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation , Mr Abubakar Bichi gave the advice during a Lecture at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra state.
Mr Bichi who was represented by the Member representing Idemili North and South federal constituency, Mr Uche Ojonkwor noted that nations that rose to global prominence achieved the feat through intentional investment in human capital development and diligent use of funds provided for the purpose.
The law maker stressed the need for mentorship of the young Nigerians by older generation to bridge the gap in technological and scientific development of the country and position it for global competitiveness.
” Nations that have risen to global prominence did so not by accident, but by intentional investment in human capital.In the same vein, reminds us that “the roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” This underscores the discipline, sacrifice, and long-term vision required to build individuals who will in turn build nations”
A former Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor
Charles Esimone said Nigeria needs to invest heavily on capacity building, human capital empowerment and mentorship to achieve its goals on national development.
Professor Esimone observed that health and education were critical areas that could be repositioned to harness the potential of Nigeria’s huge population for greater productivity.
” For Nigerian development discourse, the most policy-relevant interpretation is not “mentorship makes everybody perfect.” It is: mentorship increases the probability that existing investments in education and training translate into capability, productivity, and leadership, especially in fields that require tacit knowledge transfer (research methods, clinical judgement, scientific writing, Grant craft, entrepreneurship, and ethical decision-making)”
The Dean Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in the University Professor Sunday Nduka emphasised the importance improved funding of the educational sector by federal government to drive the social and economic development of the country.
” It is my belief that this lecture series will become an annual tradition. We strongly believe in the transformative power of ideas and their impact not just within the academic space but also on the larger society. Again, we thought it necessary wise to honor, in a special way, the men of timber and calibre whose vision, sacrifice, and philanthropy and laid the very foundation upon which we stand here today. Without their invaluable contributions.”
In a remark , Anambra State Governor , Professor Chukwuma Soludo who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education Dr. Ifeoma Arinze noted that no nation can rise above the it’s human capital development and leadership quality.
