Nigeria's problems partly caused by neglect of education — Peterside

Many of the problems facing Nigeria as a nation can be traced to the many years of neglect of the education sector says the, says a Rivers State politician, Dr. Dakuku Peterside.

Peterside, who was the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in last gubernatorial elections in Rivers state, made the assertion in his message to mark the International Literacy Day celebrated on Tuesday the 8th of September.

According to him, society has for many years merely paid lip service to education, despite its importance as a liberation tool.

“I need not overemphasize the fact that education is everything to any serious nation or people," Peterside said.

"Regrettably, part of our problems today as a nation comes mainly from many years of neglect and indifference to issues of education by society and even those who should know."

The politician noted that countries that have made development strides achieved it through robust education policies.

“Today, successes by frontline countries in research and development, political stability, scientific breakthroughs, technology, economic growth, and improved standard of living, among other indices, are built on education and literacy, not on natural resource."

He therefore called for new policies that will reestablish education as "the great engine of personal development" which levels people across gender and class.

“As we mark the International Literacy Day, it is, therefore, important for us to reflect and to work collectively towards reclaiming our lost glory in the education sector.

"We must also ensure that our centers of learning become conducive for teachers and pupils."

Peterside also stated his confidence in the ability of the Federal Government to turn around the nation’s education sector.

The theme of International Literacy Day 2015 was Literacy and Sustainable Societies.