From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
Businessman and philanthropist Sir Dr Emeka Offor has claimed that one area where President Bola Tinubu has performed better than his predecessors in office is his dogged determination to improve the nation’s education sector.
Offor made this statement shortly after being conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree by the Nile University of Nigeria in Abuja during the institution’s 12th Convocation Ceremony.
The founder and Executive Chairman of Chrome Group of Companies based his claim on the fact that, unlike in recent years, no prolonged strike action by university lecturers has been recorded under the present administration. He stressed that this is indicative of the administration’s seriousness in ensuring the seamless functioning of the education sector.
Fielding questions from newsmen on the sidelines of the event, he said: “Unlike in the recent past, there has not been any industrial action for the past one year, and lecturers are now being paid regularly. Issues of education are now on the front burner of this government.”
Dr Offor, who has received numerous honours, including Doctorate Degrees from prestigious institutions, was recognised for his significant contributions to the nation’s and international business landscapes.
He, however, advised the current administration not to rest on its laurels and called for greater commitment and investment in the education sector, which, he noted, prepares the nation’s youth for real-life experiences and numerous responsibilities.
“Government investment in the sector should be channelled towards better character moulding for students, apart from the primary objective of learning,” he advised.
Thanking the university for recognising his professional and philanthropic efforts through his foundation, the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF), the industrialist urged the authorities of the Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, to remain steadfast in their pursuit of excellence, knowledge acquisition, character building, and moulding. He promised to continue to touch lives and alleviate poverty to the best of his ability.
The awardee commended the institution for upholding its classification as a private university, noting that he had no doubts about the quality of its lecturers and the graduates it produces year after year.
Speaking on behalf of the foundation, its Executive Vice President, Adaora Offor, thanked the authorities of the institution for the recognition. She noted that the honour would motivate Sir Offor to do even more for society, adding that the gesture from the institution amounted to rewarding good with good.