Education, youth development key to nation building — Senator Salisu

Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, has identified education empowerment and youth development as one of the major elements towards building a virile nation.

Salisu, the occupier of Ogun Central seat in the National Assembly, disclosed this in an interview at the end of a three day capacity training with the theme “Capacity Building For Ogun Central Senatorial District Teachers On Use of ICT For Teaching and Learning” in collaboration with the Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, held in Abeokuta,recently.

The lawmaker who was former Chief of Staff to two administrations in the state, promised to make education one of the basis of his constituency project, revealing that it is the only treasure that cannot be stolen.

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He hinted that he might have been a commercial driver if not for the education he acquired, considering his background as a village boy with parents that engaged in petty businesses.

The lawmaker at the closing ceremony which had in attendance the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbagbu; the Rector of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Dr Koye Jolaoso, the Chairman of Trade Union Congress, Comrade Akeem Lasisi, disclosed that about 161 teachers benefitted from the training which was initially planned for 40 educations drawn from the constituency.

The Senate Committee Chairman on Information and Communication Technology and Cyber Security, the training was put together for the teachers to enhance their knowledge in technology and support the Ogun State government in its efforts to digitize the education system.

“We are building the skills of our teachers to improve teaching and learning outcomes. The wealth of nations is no longer measured in oil reserves, but in the quality of intellect, knowledge, and health of the citizens.

“The training was initially meant to accommodate 40 participants drawn from the six LGAs in Ogun Central, but 161 eventually participated in the training. Teachers are the light of the society and I remain resolute on the path of education development. Education is a treasure that cannot be stolen”, he noted.

Reeling out his intervention in the area of education, Senator Salisu, said over 1000 scholarships were given out to students, paid WAEC and NECO fees, provided educational materials, and convened an educational summit involving traditional rulers in Ogun Central.

He expressed delight with the feedback from the participants at the ICT training and pledged to collaborate with the Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, to make the programme a regular activity.

Shuaib, however, rewarded eight teachers at the event who have won the awards of the Best Teachers in the state and other laurels, with cash gifts and laptops.

Professor Arigbabu, commended the senator for facilitating the training for the teachers, while disclosing that the State government had developed a digital platform for teachers to teach students and teach their academic activities in the state.

The Commissioner applauded the Senator for being a consistent contributor to the development of education in the state, especially the area of ICT.

In his remarks, MAPOLY Rector, Dr Jolaosho, hoped the ICT training would mark the beginning of collaboration between the institution and the senator on human capacity development.

While Comrade Lasisi, said that the ICT training was very strategic for the teachers who are the central drivers of education development.