By Eguasa Godspower
In a thrilling Parents Summit during day 4 of the Edo Education Week, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah hailed the Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki for his educational reforms under the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EdoBEST) program. The Bishop, who is the head of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sokoto State, emphasised the importance of education in today’s society and commended the governor for his efforts in repositioning and strategising the educational system in Edo State.
Bishop Kukah was effusive in his praise of the educational reforms undertaken by the Obaseki-led administration. “I want to commend your strides and how far you have travelled in making education the key and guarantee of the future of our people and the world,” he said. “Education isn’t just the leveller of society, it is the substitute for godfatherism, nepotism, and the antidote to all that has held us back.”
The Bishop highlighted the need for a robust educational system to tackle the myriad of societal challenges, including godfatherism, nepotism, and underdevelopment. He expressed his delight at the state government’s decision to reinvent, reposition, and strategize its educational system, noting that it would place the state in a better position to compete in the 21st century.
“As we can see, our country is now being ravaged and threatened by the forces of darkness, those who have said no to education,” he said. “I am a poster child of education and I remain eternally grateful. Education has taken me to the tables of the rich and the high and mighty.”
Bishop Kukah went on to narrate his own experience with education, emphasising how it had transformed his life and propelled him to the heights of success. He spoke about his early education and how it was only possible because of the interventions of the colonial government, which gave him and others the opportunity to attend school.
The Bishop also emphasized the need for increased girl child education, citing the examples of global icons Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Chimamanda Adichie to illustrate how the reputation of popular parents could be further enhanced by the achievements of their daughters. “If you want your name to be remembered, make sure that your daughters are in good schools,” he admonished the parents in attendance.
In conclusion, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah hailed Governor Godwin Obaseki’s educational reforms in Edo State and stressed the importance of education in today’s society.
His commendation of the EdoBEST program will undoubtedly boost the state’s reputation and further encourage the administration’s commitment to improving the educational system.
