The Call of Education On All Of Us -By Hon. Chudi Offodile

I have the pleasure to be associated with the circle of pioneer degree set, defunct Anambra State College of Education, Awka, otherwise known as Great Stars. I warmly extend felicitations to your members on this occasion of your reunion holding March 29 – 31 in Awka, Anambra State.

There are good reasons to identify with your body, some personal, some public and collective. I was also of the 1981 undergraduate set in the university, as your members. Awka, your academic home between 1981 and 1985, is my hometown. I had personal friends amongst your colleagues with who I maintain close relationship to this day. Above all, as one humanity and a generation, we all share in and treasure the civilisation that education bequeaths.

Yes, exigencies of state creation necessitated the transfer – merging of the Awka College with a sister establishment. But the spirit of the Awka institution lives on just as memories of departed loved ones live on in our hearts. Indeed, institutions do not die. This is borne out by the existence of your alumni group, by the heights attained by your members in different callings, indeed by the timeless principles that a citadel of learning stands for.

A place of upbringing, formation, socialisation or emotional involvement often stirs strong feelings in us. Given that this is your first reunion in forty years, the sense of reconnection promises to be great. Some will be setting foot on what was once familiar but now changed campus environment for the first time in about four decades. It would be a homecoming for some, and perhaps, an opportunity for reflection and stock – taking for some others.

It’s also true that the road of friendship and academic journey you are celebrating connects the present as well as the future. The connection is in the value of education and societal need. Education is a prized industry in the southeast and must remain so by the very demand of development. Sadly, however, the relatively subsidised education experienced in the past is not available to young Nigerians today. Explosion in number of learners has not been matched in provision of infrastructure, facilities and equipment, raising concerns about the quality of our educational products. We cannot be unconcerned about the human capital to drive our vision plans; and such endowed human resources that can compete globally in an age of digital technology.

Individuals, groups, alumni associations, foundations, corporate entities and other stakeholders can play supportive roles towards quality and affordable education. Scholarships, academic prizes, instructional materials and research grants are some of the key areas for private intervention in the education process. Curriculum at various levels should emphasize problem – solving education, which offers an effective means of reducing unemployment. If we had wider access to educational opportunities in parts of the north, the bands of roaming youths would hardly be available for recruitment into banditry and extremist campaigns. The federal government’s student loan scheme is a helpful initiative that should be considered by state and local governments for adaptation.

The advent of smart schools at this time is a welcome development. The initiative unfolding in Enugu, Anambra and Abia States is heart – warming. Irrespective of the variations in configuration, scope, and intensity, the common concept as centres of academic excellence right from the primary stage is interesting. It would be great to see the integrated smart schools become a permanent feature of affordable, public education.

As a likely contributor to this continuing conversation, I wish Great Stars Association fruitful deliberations and very successful convention. Please accept the assurances of my warm regards and support.

A goodwill message by Hon Chudi Offodile to alumni of pioneer degree students, former Anambra State College of Education, Awka.