A former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, has urged the Federal Government to deal with schooling as a elementary proper and never burden students with loans.
Shittu spoke on Tuesday throughout an interview on Frontline, a present affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, monitored by DAILY POST in Abeokuta.
The former minister stated authorities insurance policies ought to concentrate on creating alternatives for youngsters from poor houses, stressing that entry to schooling should be thought of alongside employment, healthcare and basic welfare of residents.
He questioned the rationale behind pupil loans at a time many graduates are jobless years after leaving tertiary establishments.
“Today, we have in this country graduates who graduated ten years ago and are still looking for jobs. They don’t have jobs and they are talking about giving them loans. I don’t believe in loans. I believe in fundamental rights,” he stated.
Shittu challenged Nigerians to look at the schooling targets within the 1999 Constitution, arguing that authorities has a accountability to advertise entry to schooling and create circumstances for residents to develop their potential.
“I challenge everyone to go and look at the education objectives in the Constitution of Nigeria, the 1999 Constitution,” he acknowledged.
He stated elevating kids ought to replicate communal values quite than being left solely to particular person households.
“In our local community, a child born into a community is the responsibility of the entire community to train, to educate and to provide for,” he added.
According to him, the problem is about authorities priorities and administration of assets, noting that earlier governments invested in free schooling, healthcare and different social providers.
Shittu stated Nigeria has the assets to enhance entry to schooling, citing Rwanda for instance of a nation that has invested closely in human growth.
He expressed concern over financial hardship, saying he receives messages from students who battle to afford primary wants, together with meals.
The former minister stated authorities insurance policies ought to be judged by their affect on unusual Nigerians, particularly poor households, and known as for stronger implementation of constitutional provisions on schooling.
He famous that investing in schooling would scale back future social issues by equipping younger Nigerians with abilities to contribute meaningfully to society.
