The Lord Mayor of Leeds City, United Kingdom, on Tuesday, advocated a multidimensional strategy to boost the falling standard of education in Nigeria.

Katung made the call while delivering the 22nd convocation lecture of the Igbinedion University titled “Education for National Impact” in Edo State.

The United Kingdom Mayor underscored the need for quality education in Nigeria, citing systemic challenges such as inadequate funding and outdated curriculum as factors hindering its development.

The Nigerian-British politician advocated UNESCO-recommended budgetary provisions, transparency, and effective resource utilisation as strategies to boost the quality of education.

“Education has been and remains the most effective tool for societal transformation.

“Nigeria, with a youthful population, needs education to lift individuals out of poverty and to empower marginalized communities.

“Therefore, access to education should not be determined by gender, class, or geography,” she said.

To reduce unemployment in the country, Katung canvassed for a review of the curriculum to emphasize Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), as well as entrepreneurship and skills acquisition.

She further called for the infusion of e-learning, investment in tertiary education, and research on national needs.

The convocation lecturer argued that there is a need to encourage public-private partnerships and collaborations with traditional and religious leaders to promote quality education.

The convocation lecturer equally charged the graduands to see academic success as a responsibility, rather than a personal feat.

Earlier in his remarks, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, Vice-Chancellor of the university, said a total of 856 students would graduate for the 2023/2024 academic session.

He noted that the graduates comprised 718 undergraduate and 138 postgraduate students from the university’s seven colleges.

He said the breakdown included 45 first-class degree holders, 288 second-class upper, and 225 second-class lower degree holders.

Additionally, he said 160 students graduated with unclassified degrees in Medicine and Surgery and Pharmacy.

Ezemonye charged the graduands to use the tools and knowledge acquired during their time at the university to create a world that reflects the values of the university.