MEDIATRACNET
The order by the Federal Government for all schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to close down ahead of schedule as a result rising security threat is not only worrisome, but depressing, the Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said.
Obi who expressed his concern through a series of tweets using his verified Twitter handle, @PeterObi, said as a firm believer in the transformative role of education I have been any economy, he was saddened by how education in Nigeria has continued to be stifled by insecurity, avoidable industrial action of industrial unions and poor funding, all arising from poor governance.
Obi said students of the affected colleges, when added to the millions of students already languishing at home due to the strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the 18.5 million out-of-school children roaming the streets, all add to the painful burden that slows the nation down on its journey to real development.
“While I understand this decision by the government as a measure of keeping our students safe, I reiterate that insecurity can be fought permanently by lifting people out of poverty, through support for small businesses and the creation of jobs, adequately employing more training and equipping our security personnel.
“The government, in keeping with its duties of protecting the lives of citizens, must be proactive in its actions,” he said.
Urging the government to do all within its power to arrest the high level of insecurity in the country, to enable students safely return to schools, and for the country to return to the path of progress.
