Government’s takeover of schools hurting sector’s development, cleric Onabanjo insists

Family Physician and cleric, Dr. Olumuyiwa Onabanjo, has described government’s interference and take-over of schools from the missionaries in the early 70s as a great mistake and a major setback for the sector.

Onabanjo, who is the guest minister at the 21st valedictory ceremony of Dansol High School, Agidingbi, Lagos, said if the schools had remained with the original owners, the issue of moral decadence and high level of delinquency adversely affecting the country would have been prevented.

He said Nigerians are confronted with strange situations because its education system is grooming youths without character and discipline, as well as a generation that lacks emotional intelligence.

“One of the greatest setback we had in our educational development was government’s hijack of the education system from the mission. It is the greatest mistake. The mission schools then were developing at their own pace; breeding students with high moral standard and has proven to be a structure with brighter future until government came and disrupted it. Today our education system is in total dilapidation.

“A curriculum without moral experience is indeed a disaster. Parents and schools must collaborate to ensure our children are well groomed in character and in learning. Education without character is a disaster. He charged the 2017 graduating class to be a shining light and ambassadors of change wherever they go.

Chairperson of the occasion, Dr. Stella Ogunmuyiwa, urged the graduating students to henceforth endeavour to make the right choices, pointing out that every decision taken without weighing the pros and cons will in the long run affect their personality.
“Use your brain wisely and make the right choices as poor choices lead to poor productivity in life,” she added.

President, Dansol Christian Mission, Mrs. Adun Akinyemiju, while assuring parents of the school’s continuous effort to ensure spiritual and academic growth of their children, emphasised that Dansol places high premium on character and moral education.

She urged graduands to keep in touch with each other to keep the fire glowing.