***As Olanipekun awards scholarship to over 100 students
Integrity has been identified as a major factor in the evolution of crisis in the educational system in Nigeria, creating a big phenomenon of education summersault right from primary school to our leaders and followers.
Former Vice deputy Vice Chancellor, Ekiti State University, EKSU, Prof. Kunle Adegun, identified the problem saying many stakeholders in the education sector lack integrity in their operations and relationship.
He outlined the areas to include: management/students relationship, management/union relationship, academic staff/students relationship as well as parents/students/management relationship.
Prof. Adegun, identified the problems while delivering his lecture titled: “Philantropy and Education Debacle in Nigeria”, at the 21st edition of the Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, Scholarship award held at the “Iyaniwura House, Moshood road, Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
According to him, the scheme which started in 1996, yearly award of scholarship to not less than 206 students from all cadres of education including Nigerian law school, assisting brilliant but indigent students, should be commended by all.
The Scholarship has over 100 students awardees for the 21st edition held at the country home of Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN.
Prof. Adegun, said the rate of poverty in Nigeria remains unacceptable, as Nigeria has one of the world’s highest economic growth rates averaging 7.4 percent.
“Poverty has risen in Nigeria with almost 100 million living on less than $1 per day”, saying many cannot even pay the school fees of their children again.
Prof. Adegun called on well meaning Nigerians to enhance the realization of full potentials of the poor children that lack resources like what Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, is doing to help the education of some indigent but brilliant students to attain their full potentials.
In his address at the 21st Scholarship awards, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, described education as light and freedom that loosens chains and it breeds good citizens.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, said the first thing and government in Nigeria should do is to nip corruption in the bud or to reduce it to a minimal level and give the citizens free education.
According to him, ‘these are the things the least corrupt countries in the world like Sweden and Singapore are doing for their citizens’,adding that they are proving certainty for the people in their old age.
“Educated citizenry is a potent way to fight corruption as no educated citizen will encourage any politician particularly those who are gainfully employed to go and loot the treasury”
He added that Nigeria is in dare need of genuine, honest and God-fearing leaders who will act as role model and mentors to the helpless battalion of youths roaming our streets all over the country.
Chairman of the day, Otunba Sola Adewumi, commended Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, for sacrificing part of his hard earned wealth for the scholarship scheme.
He called on the beneficiaries, to use the gesture to glorify God in the lives of Chief Olanipekun, SAN, when it is time for them to help others in the future.
Otunba Adewumi, called on Ikere people to embrace peace and shun conspiracy within them, adding that they should all work for the development of the community
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