By: Emmanuel Abi Couson
The Former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, on Friday 10 May said he faced so many challenges when he directed that women be enlisted into the Nigeria Defence Academy, NDA just like their male counterpart.
Jonathan stated this while speaking as Chairman on the occasion of the 25th anniversary celebration of Igbinedion University, Okada in Edo State.
He said that he faced serious challenges when he directed that women be admitted into the NDA, but had his way as the president of the country.
Jonathan who was President from 2010 to 2015, said it is worth noting that women have become an integral part of the military set with some of them going ahead to become some of the best jet fighters.
He said, “I recall the challenges faced by women in the military. But as President, I directed that the Nigeria Defence Academy commence admission of women into the institution.
“However some of the ideas, which could have helped in the technological development of the country were jettisoned. “
The former President also noted the challenges faced by women in various career fields, and he advocated that limitations against women’s progression in their chosen fields of endeavour should be eliminated.
Goodluck also called for the recalibration of the nation’s school curriculum to prioritize skills acquisition, and technology and de-emphasise certificates.
The ex-president explained that emphasis on skills acquisition and technology in all fields of the country’s educational system was the way to go to hasten the development of the country.
While condemning cultism and bullying in the nation’s lower school system, he called on the government at all levels to put a stop to the menace.
Thanking the former Head of State,. Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar for approving the establishment of Igbinedion University, he said that if he had not done that, “the establishment of the several private universities in the country would not have been possible”.
Jonathan also commended the courage and vision of the Founder of Igbinedion University, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, in establishing the institution, saying the university is doing well, and that gave the impetus to other entrepreneurs to establish other private universities in the country.
On his part, Gen Abubakar commended Chief Igbinedion for his foresight in establishing the university, saying “25 years ago, we gave a license to establish this University and Esama has been making progress. Esama, we congratulate you”.
He also thanked the Okada Community for their role in bringing peace to the university, adding “In the next 25 years most of us won’t be here. I wish you well in your celebration”.
Earlier, the Deputy Pro-Chancellor of the university, Lucky Igbinedion, who was also a former governor of Edo State, spoke on behalf of the Pro-Chancellor, and Founder of the university, noted that 25 years after, the noble effort of establishing the institution has paid off with the springing up of more private universities in the country.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye reeled out several achievements of the institution in the past 25 years, and disclosed that it has churned 60,000 graduates since inception.
