At the 65th Independence anniversary edition of The Platform Nigeria, policy and brand strategist, Mr. Leke Alder, delivered a thought-provoking critique of Nigeria’s educational system, warning that a nation without values cannot thrive, no matter its economic aspirations.
Speaking on the theme “Rebuilding Our Nation”, Alder stressed that the country’s current education model has abandoned the teaching of human values — an omission that, he argued, is fuelling immorality and eroding the trust essential for commerce and national progress.
> “When a society is power- and money-oriented but lacking in moral values, immorality will thrive. That disaster erodes trust, affects commerce, and even increases the cost of capital,” Alder cautioned.
He emphasised that building a nation without values is a contradiction in terms, urging policymakers to revamp the curriculum in schools to address present-day challenges.
Universities, Venture Capital, and Innovation
Alder underscored the need for stronger linkages between universities and the venture capital industry, suggesting the creation of a stock exchange platform where young technology companies can list, thereby enabling investors to cash out and re-invest.
According to him, such measures would incentivise venture capitalists and stimulate the growth of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.
Reimagining Technical Colleges
The strategist also questioned why Nigeria’s Colleges of Technology remain underwhelming in comparison to global institutions. Drawing a sharp contrast, he asked:
“MIT is a College of Technology. Why is it incomparable to Yaba College of Technology? What are they doing that we are not doing?”
For Alder, the answer lies in vision, governance, and commitment to enterprise-driven education.
Two-Tier Enterprise Development
Highlighting the urgency of job creation, Alder proposed a two-tier system for enterprise development:
Tier 1: Basic training for entrepreneurs.
Tier 2: A focus on scaling businesses capable of employing at least 20 people.
Such a model, he argued, would balance individual entrepreneurship with systemic job creation, thereby reducing unemployment at scale.
A Call for National Reset
Ultimately, Alder’s message was a call for a national reset, one that integrates values, education, and enterprise.
“Trust is the currency of commerce. Once that is gone, even capital becomes expensive,” he concluded.
His remarks drew applause from participants at The Platform NG, a civic engagement forum organised by Covenant Nation, known for shaping public discourse on governance, nation-building, and civic responsibility.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
