The National President, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Chief Yomi Otubela, has charged Nigerian youths to leverage education as a tool for dismantling barriers and becoming successful rather than seeing education as a scam.
Otubela gave the charge when he addressed secondary school students in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.
This was during the commemoration of the 2024 United Nations International Day of Education, with the theme: “Learning for Lasting Peace.”
Students drawn from various schools across the state participated in the event facilitated by Imole Osun Development and Rekindled Hope Foundation, a pet project of the wife of the Governor, Chief Titilola Adebusola Adeleke.
Otubela, the proprietor of Lagoos Schools at Orile Agege, Lagos, who was the Guest Speak at the event, said it is through education that prejudices are dismantled, stereotypes are shattered, and bridges are built between cultures, religions and nations.
According to him: “In the spirit of the United Nations’ dedication to international cooperation, we need to leverage education as a tool for dismantling barriers and fostering a sense of shared humanity.”
He noted that in a world facing myriad challenges, education emerges not merely as a beacon of knowledge, but as a transformative force that can shape a future characterised by enduring peace.
He described education as the bedrock upon which the edifice of peace is constructed, saying that it is a fundamental human right and a force that dismantles ignorance and cultivates understanding.
He said the quest for lasting peace necessitates an unwavering commitment to providing accessible, inclusive and quality education to all, irrespective of geographical or socio-economic boundaries.
Otubela maintained that education is not confined to classrooms as it is a dynamic force that permeates societies, fostering dialogue, tolerance and cooperation.
His words: “I am extremely delighted to share this moment with you.
“Therefore, as we gather on this auspicious occasion of the United Nations International Day of Education, our focus turns to the theme that resonates deeply with the aspirations of nations and the global community: ‘Learning for Lasting Peace.’
“Today, within the framework of the United Nations, we reaffirm our collective dedication to education as a catalyst for positive change.
“The Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4 on Quality Education, embodies our shared commitment to ensuring that every child, adolescent, and adult has the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills needed for a life of dignity and purpose.
“As we navigate an ever-changing global landscape, characterised by both unprecedented challenges and remarkable opportunities, education equips individuals with the resilience and adaptability required to navigate complexities and contribute to peaceful coexistence.
“Our commitment to learning for lasting peace extends beyond traditional boundaries.
“In this era of technological advancements, let us harness the power of innovation to enhance educational access and quality.
“Digital literacy and technological proficiency are not just skills for the future; they are essential components of empowering individuals to thrive in an interconnected world.
“Furthermore, let us recognise the critical role education plays in addressing root causes of conflict, promoting social justice, and advancing sustainable development.
“Education is not only about acquiring knowledge; it is about cultivating critical thinking, ethical values, and a sense of responsibility towards the planet and its inhabitants.
“As we commemorate the International Day of Education within the United Nations, let us commit ourselves to the noble task of providing education that nurtures not just academic prowess but also compassion, empathy, and a commitment to justice.
“Let us envision a world where education becomes the cornerstone of global peace, and where every individual, regardless of background, has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the collective progress of humanity.
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“In closing, let our collective efforts be a testament to the transformative power of education in building a world where lasting peace is not just a distant dream but a tangible reality for generations to come.
“Thank you for listening and may our commitment to learning be the foundation of a future marked by peace, understanding, and shared prosperity.”
Meanwhile, on behalf of the Yomi Otubela Foundation, the NAPPS president donated 25 copies of Fatima Ishiak’s book: “I Called Him Dad,” to selected students to support the wife of the Osun State Governor.
