At a time when many young Nigerians worry about the quality of education in the country, former president Olusegun Obasanjo says one thing is clear: any nation that fails to prioritise education is setting itself up for stagnation.
He shared this message on Friday in Ibadan, during the inauguration of newly renovated Chemistry and Biology laboratories at African Church Grammar School Senior.
The modern laboratory facilities were donated by Adefisayo Oduwole, a member of the school’s 1976 alumni set, as part of activities marking the institution’s 50th anniversary.
For students who rely on practical learning to understand science, facilities like these can make a big difference. Well-equipped labs often mean better experiments, deeper understanding, and stronger preparation for careers in science and technology.
Obasanjo used the moment to remind students and guests that learning does not end in the classroom.
“I am a lover of education. Otherwise, what would I be doing at the age of 80 pursuing a PhD?” he said.
According to him, education is a lifelong journey.
“The day you stop learning, you start dying. Any investment in education is worthwhile.”
He described Oduwole’s donation as a commendable example and encouraged other Nigerians to support schools across the country, especially in areas like science and technology.
As for many public schools in Nigeria, laboratory facilities are either outdated or missing entirely. Contributions from alumni and philanthropists, therefore, help bridge gaps that government resources alone may not immediately fill.
Representing the state government, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology in Oyo State, Segun Olayiwola, noted that individuals and organisations have continued to support public schools with projects such as renovated buildings, libraries, computers, and security services.
He said these contributions complement the efforts of the administration of Seyi Makinde in improving education across the state.
Also speaking, Deji Adeleke, praised the gesture and urged other philanthropists to support educational development.
For Oduwole, the motivation behind the project was simple: give students the tools they need to dream bigger.
He said the laboratories were designed to encourage students to pursue careers in science, engineering, and other professional fields.
“We want to provide them with a conducive learning environment,” he said.
The school’s principal, Mojisola Tiamiyu, thanked the 1976 alumni set for the contribution and encouraged current students to one day return the favour by supporting their own alma mater.
Moments like this serve as a reminder that improving education in Nigeria is not only a government responsibility. Sometimes, the biggest changes begin when former students decide to invest in the classrooms that once shaped them.
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.