Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said some of the progressive ideas he instituted during his tenure were jettisoned after his exit from office.
Speaking as Chairman on the occasion of the 25th anniversary celebration of Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO), in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, Jonathan recalled that he faced serious challenges but had his way as the president of the country.
The former president who noted the challenges women were facing in various career fields, advocated that limitations against women’s progression in their chosen fields of endeavour should be eliminated.
Jonathan, who was the President from 2010 to 2015, recalled that the challenges faced by women in the military made him, as President direct that the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), should commence admission of women into the institution.
He explained that though there was resistance to his directive, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, he had his way.
The former president said he ensured that women were admitted into the NDA, adding that women have become an integral part of the military 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 Nigerian 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,” Jonathan explained.
“While I was pushing for progressive ideas as president some people were resisting them,” he added.
Jonathan also called for the calibration of the nation’s education curriculum that will have less emphasis on certificates but much priority on skills acquisition and technology
The ex-president explained that emphasis on skills acquisition and technology in all fields of the country’s educational system was the way to hasten the development of the country.
Besides, he condemned cultism and bullying in the nation’s lower school system and called on the government at all levels to put a stop to the menace.
He thanked former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) for approving the establishment of Igbinedion University, noting that if he had not approved the school, the establishment of several private universities in the country would have remained a pipe dream.
While commending the courage and vision of the Founder of Igbinedion University, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, in establishing the institution, Jonathan said because the university was doing well, other entrepreneurs were encouraged to establish other private universities in the country.
Jonathan thanked God for using General Abdulsalami Abubakar to bring democracy to the country, just as he thanked former governors Obong Attah of Akwa-Ibom and Chief James Ibori of Delta State, who graced the 25th-anniversary celebration.
In his comment, former Head of State, Abdulsalami commended Igbinedion for his foresight in establishing the university, saying: “25 years ago, we gave a licence 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.
“In the next 25 years, most of us won’t be here. I wish you well in your celebration,” he added.
Earlier, Deputy Pro-Chancellor of the university, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, who spoke on behalf of the Pro-Chancellor, and Founder of the university, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, said 25 years after, the noble effort of establishing the institution has paid off with the springing up of more private universities in the country.
On his part, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, who reeled out several achievements of the institution in the past 25 years, disclosed that it has churned over 60,000 graduates since inception.
The high point of the celebration was the cutting of the 25th-anniversary cake by Chief Igbinedion, assisted by his wife, Lady Cherry Igbinedion; Abdulsalami; Jonathan and other dignitaries present.
Adibe Emenyonu
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