'Nigeria needs to put more money in education' — UI VC

Outgoing Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI) Professor Isaac Adewole has called on the Federal government to provide more funds for education, especially at the Senior Secondary level.

The don, who is one of those nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari for ministerial appointment, said this on Tuesday during his screening on the floor of the Senate.

Comparing Nigeria with other nations, Adewole said Nigeria is not putting enough funds in education.

"A World Bank survey of 41 countries in sub-Sahara Africa noted that Nigeria had only three countries below it- South Sudan, Zimbabwe and Zambia," he said.

“We need to put money in education.

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"We need to recognise education as a vital tool to promote not only the economy but this nation’s development."

Adewole further noted that the senior secondary school level has been so far given less attention than the primary, junior secondary and the tertiary levels.

"We have a 6-3-3-4 system.

"The 6-3 is being taken care of by UBEC, also TETFUND taking care of the universities.

“But there is nothing taking care of the senior secondary school. That is an orphan."

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The ministerial nominee explained that this neglect of the senior secondary level had led to a situation where students admitted into the tertiary institutions are poor.

"In other words, what the universities are getting are poorly-rated products," he added.

Adewole, a Professor College Of Medicine reputed to be a great scholar and erudite administrator, was nominated from Osun state.

He will end his tenure as the 11th Vice Chancellor of UI on the 31st of November, to be succeeded by Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka, who was named the 12th Vice Chancellor of the institution in September.