Senator Shuaib Salisu Urges Youth to Embrace Education as Pathway to National Development

The Senator representing Ogun Central, Shuaib Salisu, has called on Nigerian youths to reject the notion that education is a scam, emphasizing that it remains a crucial pathway to self-discovery and national development. Salisu made this appeal on Wednesday during the presentation of laptops and N100,000 cash gifts to about 220 teachers who recently completed an ICT training programme organized by the senator.

Speaking at the closing ceremony held at the ICT building of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Salisu expressed disheartenment at the tendency of some youths to denigrate education, stressing that it is the heart of development and progress in life. “It is always disheartening to hear some youths denigrating education, whereas education remains the heart of development and progress in life,” he said.

The senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on ICT, highlighted his focus on initiatives boosting educational empowerment of youths, citing the impact of such investments on the nation’s future. “My modest achievements in life might have been impossible without a sound education,” he added.

Salisu explained that the training and empowerment programme aimed to enhance ICT skills of selected teachers in Ogun State, enabling them to transfer knowledge to others. “We have done about six or seven educational empowerment programmes this year, including training undergraduate students, procuring educational materials, and setting up ICT laboratories in public schools,” he said, citing examples such as Nawairudeen Secondary School and Agbado District Comprehensive High School.

He emphasized the critical role teachers play in the learning process, stating, “The critical actors in the learning world and outcome are the teachers. So, we decided to upskill their IT skills so they can be more grounded in the ICT world and impact others.”

Salisu also praised award-winning teachers from his senatorial district, presenting them with laptops and urging dedication to building a better future. He called on the media to continually inform youths that “education is at the heart of development” and never a scam.

Highlighting the importance of ICT and Artificial Intelligence, Salisu noted, “The wealth of a nation is no longer measured in oil reserves or natural resources, but in the intellect and knowledge citizens possess.” He urged youths to leverage these opportunities and prioritize their studies.

Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Abayomi Arigbabu, praised Salisu’s investment in education, aligning it with the state government’s commitment to expand digital knowledge. “The lawmaker’s consistency and ICT training programmes are notable contributions to the state’s and nation’s future,” Arigbabu said.

The event showcased Salisu’s commitment to educational development in Ogun State, emphasizing the role of education in national growth and development.