Gani Fawehinmi's Educational Legacy Celebrated By NBA
Late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, one of Nigeria's most talented frontline lawyer of all time, figuratively resurrected today, January 15, at the 12th Gani Fawehinmi annual lecture.
The former national publicity secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), was celebrated at a symposium themed: "The Collapse of public education and the past, present and future prospects of the Nigerian state.
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At the event tagged "Fawehiniism 2016", Dr (Mrs) Oby Ezekwesili, an activist and ex-minister for education, was guest lecturer. Ezekwesili guest lectured alongside Mr Odia Ofeimun, an activist and poet-laureate.
The guest lecturers talked on core issues troubling the nation, with education and the educational sector as focal points.
Odia Ofeimun in his address, laid emphasis on the importance of education to the nation. Ofeimun was of the opinion that Nigeria must change the education system to become a production system.
The notable poet stressed that Nigeria is on its way to perdition, if the country cannot ensure that the citizens are educated. He informed that beyond reading and writing, educated people build societies.
Ofeimun was of the opinion that the people can actual be forced to be free, and that freedom can only stem from education.
Making allusions to the Awolowo era, the advocate of mass public education, said that money must be pumped into the educational sector, adding that: "If we cannot give education to everybody, then there'll always be tribalism, nepotism and xenophobia as experienced in South Africa"
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On her part, Ezekwesili dealt on the intricacies of matters arising within the Nigerian educational sector. Looking at the inherent problems and proffering certain measures that could be taken to salvage the situation.
The public interest campaigner and co-convener of the Bring Back Our Girls Campaign, gave statistical proof of the great decline in Nigerian educational sector. She faulted the dearth of quality teachers as one of the biggest challenges besetting the nation.
The ex-vice president of the world bank, stressed on the need for the nation to begin to build its human capital base.
"Fawehiism 2016" as put together by NBA Ikeja branch, was well attended with so many legal and political dignitaries in attendance.
Some of the prominent people in attendance include chairman NBA Ikeja branch, Yinka Farounbi Esq. Human rights activists Festus Keyamo and Femi Falana.
The symposium was moderated by Lanre Arogundade, the coordinator, International Press Centre.
Source: Legit.ng
