Former Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Martin Elechi, has lamented the falling standard of education across all levels in Nigeria, urging stakeholders to act urgently to halt the decline.
Elechi said the nation was “experiencing a decline in all levels of her educational institutions at a time when more people than ever before are in need of quality learning.”
Elechi, who served as governor from May 29, 2007 to May 29, 2015, made the call on Saturday at Umuagara, Izhia community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi during the 30th anniversary celebration of Royal Comprehensive College (RCC), Ezzangbo.
He emphasised that education remained the foundation for national development, adding: “Today, academics in our secondary schools and other institutions of learning are not seen with joy; so many things have gone wrong.”
He commended the proprietor of RCC, Mr Ndubuisi Chibueze-Agbo, for sustaining high academic standards in the school for three decades, attributing the success to discipline and commitment.
“When I remember what the proprietor of this school went through for it to stand, I respect him the more. He went through hell and fire but without bulging.
“He stood firm to make sure that this institution was not destroyed and for that, we thank him and encourage him to stand firm.”
The former governor, who recalled starting his career as a vice principal during the colonial era, advised students not to take the privilege of formal education for granted.
“If you joke with this opportunity, you’ll have yourselves to blame.
“Discipline is the first thing; if you choose to be wayward I will encourage the proprietor or principal to expel you, and that will not be a pleasant moment in your life,” he said.
Elechi also unveiled a multimillion-naira ultramodern two-storey classroom complex built by the institution and urged teachers to show commitment in shaping learners entrusted to their care.
He said: “Education played a pivotal role in moulding my character and making me who I am today; teachers must continue to nurture the next generation with dedication.”
In his remarks, Chibueze-Agbo, proprietor and chairman of the governing board of the institution, said his passion for qualitative, functional and affordable education motivated him to establish the school on Aug. 25, 1995.
“The journey has not been easy, yet our resilience and unwavering commitment have sustained us,” he said.
He added that the school had strengthened its entrepreneurship programmes to make graduates self-reliant and job creators, noting: “Every Royal graduate must be employable and capable of self-employment and job creation.”
The event featured the inauguration of the permanent site of Royal Integrated Schools, awards to distinguished personalities including Chief Elechi and the cutting of the 30th anniversary cake.
