Nigeria risks instability without education, skills devt — Obasanjo

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has warned that Nigeria faces the risk of instability, insecurity and economic hardship if urgent steps are not taken to invest in education, skill acquisition, and national unity.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Bakhita ICT Centre in Sokoto on Tuesday, Obasanjo said the neglect of millions of out-of-school children poses a direct threat to national stability.

“Twenty-four million children who should be in school are not in school,” he said. “You don’t need an oracle to know they will become the recruiting ground for Boko Haram of tomorrow.”

The centre was built by Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah with the support of legal luminary, Aare Afe Babalola.

Obasanjo, who has remained one of Nigeria’s most outspoken elder statesmen, urged the nation to prioritise “human development, skill acquisition, empowerment and employment,” stressing that the country’s diversity should be harnessed as a strength rather than a division.

“It is not unity in diversity alone, but unity of purpose for our country, in spite of our diversity,” he said.

He commended the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and Bishop Kukah for promoting dialogue across faiths and cultures. Describing Kukah as “a different sort of Bishop,” he added: “When he talks, he talks sense; when he shouts, he shouts against evil, misconduct and oppression.”

Obasanjo warned that Nigeria’s rapidly growing population, projected to reach 400 million by 2050, could become unmanageable if leaders fail to plan ahead. “If we fail to prepare now, Boko Haram of today will be child’s play compared with what we may face in the future,” he cautioned.

The former president also highlighted the impact of technology and artificial intelligence, which he said would displace many jobs unless Nigeria equips its people with the right digital skills. “AI will take over many jobs. We must prepare our people with the right knowledge and skills,” he said.

On the economy, he lamented the nation’s dependence on food imports despite vast agricultural potential. “Why should we import our staple food? If farmers cannot make a profit, they will stop planting,” he warned.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, Obasanjo recalled how the late Sultan of Sokoto supported universal adult suffrage in 1979 by encouraging women to vote — a move he described as a milestone in the country’s political history.

He concluded with a message to current leaders: “Nigeria is not a difficult country to govern if we are honest with ourselves, with God, and with the people.”

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