The Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, has urged students to embrace education and courage, describing education as the only passport to development and meaningful participation in society
Salisu, who represents Ogun Central, frowned at the growing notion among some youths that “education is a scam,” stressing that education has produced great men and women in society, particularly in Ogun State
He said his passion for education was shaped by the counsel of his parents 46 years ago, adding that shortly after his mother’s death, he realised that education was the only way to become a meaningful part of society
The lawmaker spoke at the annual SAS Omoyayi Educational Support Programme held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, with the theme, “Investing in Education, Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders”
Reaffirming his commitment to promoting education, digital literacy and ICT skills, Salisu urged the students to see themselves as future senators, noting that they now have access to better schools and enough examples to inspire them
“You must focus on your education Whenever you’re convinced that you’re doing the right thing, don’t be afraid to be different. Keep on doing it. The only passport to development, to be part of society, is education,” he said.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Abayomi Arigbabu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Dapo Abiodun-led administration to improving the quality of education in the state.
Arigbabu urged the senator to continue supporting learners to excel, stressing that education is the best form of empowerment anyone can receive
Also speaking, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide, likened the gesture to planting, saying its value would only be appreciated when the children become great in the future
He noted that empowering people with education gives them 95 per cent of what they need in life and urged the students to make good use of the opportunity and reciprocate when they become successful
Thee State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Noah Sewakanu, urged the students to make judicious use of the materials distributed
He also encouraged them to study hard and remain good ambassadors of the state so they could achieve their goals and become great in the future