Nigeria’s former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Saturday, declared that University certificate is worthless without character.
He spoke at the 10th Anniversary, cum special convocation of Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu.
The former President, who delivered the anniversary lecture, said it was worrisome that some universities had become theatres of war, owing to cultism.
It was reported that at the event, Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto and former Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Universities Commission, NUC, Prof. Julius Okojie received honourary doctorate degrees.
Jonathan, in his lecture, said Nigeria must tailor its education towards productivity, stressing that “nations that are stable and peaceful are those with productive education.”
“We should not just acquire satellites, we should be able to build our own,” he added, urging the country not to be “weary in prioritizing education”, as it would engender a secure and peaceful country.
He further stated that “education is of no essence if it does not place prominence on character and productivity.”
While lamenting the rate of cultism in tertiary institutions, Jonathan insisted that if Universities did not build characters, “the certificates will become worthless.”
He described as unfortunate a situation where “some of our universities are becoming breeding ground for cultism,” noting that in some institutions it had become difficult for lecturers and students to move freely.
He declared that there was urgent need for overhaul of Nigeria’s education system.
The former President applauded the Godfrey Okoye University for upholding academic excellence and character moulding.
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Meanwhile, in a remark after he received honorary doctorate degree in political science, Gov. Ugwuanyi said his administration would continue to work hard towards promoting quality education.
Earlier in his speech, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Very Rev. Prof. Christian Anieke said the institution had been making steady progress on a march for greatness.
Going down memory lane, he said the past 10 years had been remarkable with contributions from various individuals including Bishop Anthony Gbuji, Bishop Calistus Onaga, Bishop Ernest Obodo, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, among others.
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