ONIT College of Education located in Ogbu, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, over the weekend graduated a total of 252 students even while extending admission to 240 students for the next academic session.

Speaking at a pre-convocation lecture series to mark the institution’s convocation ceremony, a frontline governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mr. Oseloka Obaze, said government alone cannot provide education for the children. He added that the missions and private individuals need to come in and assist the government.

Obaze explained that as a child of a teacher, he places high premium on education adding, education is the only gateway to a better society as is obtainable overseas.

The ex-diplomat noted that part of formal education include counselling and mentoring.

While saying that both areas are important tools for passing on skills and knowledge, he added that proper education, exposure, mentoring, training and access to global best practices are means of making our youths globally competitive.

In his words, “Government alone cannot educate our children. We must ask the missions and private individuals to assist. We must also focus on vocational training and professions that require certification rather than university degrees.

“Yet, it is vitally important that we continue to insist that our children must stay in school and finish school; as well as engage in trades where they are skilled and globally employable;

“The competition is fierce even for the educated. Today there are globally 100 million street children. 12.6% unemployed global youth. Nigerian youths comprising of 15-35 year olds make up 70 million of Nigeria’s 180 million people. 54% of these youths are unemployed.

“There are 57 million out of school children worldwide -10.5 million in Nigeria alone. The consequence is that there exist two unemployed sets: educated and skilled unemployed and illiterate, unskilled and unemployed. What does this translate to?

“Ten percent of the world youth population are NEET –(not in education, employment or training); Angry youths; violence, cultism, revenge on society; - regrettably does not translate to cheap labour.

“If these facts and figures are troubling, then you know why we are here today. We must do our utmost to consolidate our education at all levels.

“Anambra State several years ago under Peter Obi topped the nation in every national exam. I know. I was part of the administration. Today we have slipped and are no longer in the top five states. We need to return to our winning ways.

“To do so, we must target and meet the UN recommended 26% of the budget for education. I am also a proponent and advocate of setting aside 10% of the education budget for supporting Mission and private schools. After all, they also train our children.

“Governments come and go. Politicians come and go; but the society subsists, as does the schools and the Church.”

Obaze said that the expected collective role of everyone is to join hands in promoting education and through it make the society better for posterity.

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