President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria and the Convener of The New Nigeria Group, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, has disclosed that urgent measures are needed to transform the country’s educational system.
Ohuabunwa, who made the statement at the 9th Matriculation Ceremony of McPherson University in Ogun State recently, stressed that the education system is in dire need of a paradigm shift.
Ohuabunwa blamed Nigeria’s economic crisis on the “incurable dependence on crude petroleum as its main source of national revenue.
He stated that over the years, the economic fortunes of Nigeria rose and fell in sympathy with the price of crude petroleum in the international market.
He argued that “all the promises by our political leaders to diversify our economy away from crude petroleum dissipate immediately the price of our sweet crude rises in the market and poor economic management has made it difficult for us to maximize the income from crude petroleum.”
However, Ohuabunwa opined that all these could change in no time if there is a major transformation to Nigeria’s education system.
“This is where the major paradigm change in our education becomes imperative. For a long time, our educational system seemed set to prepare graduates to seek employment. This has to change. The system must now prepare students to go out and become productive agents and problem solvers.
“First is, that our teaching methods must change. Lecturing, giving notes and examining students on how much of the notes they can regurgitate will no longer serve the purpose.
“The next is to acquire the skills to deliver on their chosen disciplines. Focus is on problem-solving.
“Second is that entrepreneurial training will become compulsory for all students.”
Ohuabunwa however charged the matriculating students to “produce very successful entrepreneurs and business leaders.
“Create visions for yourself. Make deliberate plans, pursue your dreams with passion and work in partnership with our great God, who is the author and finisher of our faith.
“Create your future by committing all your ways to the Lord. He will direct your path and prosper your way.
“The best thing any young person can do for himself or herself is to have a relationship with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and to keep that relationship all through life.
“Your entire life will be sweet music as He will be with you in any circumstance and leverage your performance.”
