- He criticised current strategies such as lowering standards to address inequalities, calling them unsustainable
Former Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has urged the government to prioritise access to quality education for the less privileged, highlighting disparities between Northern and Southern Nigeria.
Speaking at the University of Benin’s convocation lecture on Thursday, Dr Mimiko praised past leaders like Obafemi Awolowo for introducing free and compulsory education in the South West, which, he said, transformed access for disadvantaged children.
“Awolowo’s policies ensured that economic barriers and traditional practices did not hinder education, laying a foundation for societal progress,” Mimiko said.
He criticised current strategies such as lowering standards to address inequalities, calling them unsustainable. Instead, he emphasised the need for systemic reforms and a review of Nigeria’s centralised political structure, which he described as limiting subnational development.
“The federal system concentrates too much power at the centre, hindering regional growth. President Bola Tinubu must prioritise constitutional reforms to address poverty and inequality,” he added.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor Lilian Salami, commended the institution’s achievements over its 54-year history and said Mimiko’s lecture offered valuable insights for improving education in Nigeria.
The event highlighted the urgent need for action to bridge educational gaps and ensure no child is left behind.