Nigerian education sector in serious trouble – Soyinka

NOBEL laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has said that Nigeria’s education sector is in serious trouble, and that government needs to take concrete steps to prevent the situation from becoming worse.

Soyinka made the remarks in a chat with newsmen on the sidelines of a drama and award of excellence presentation organised by the Government College Ibadan Old Boys Association (GCIOBA), held at the main auditorium of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, on Sunday last week.

Professor Soyinka and five other alumni of the college who have distinguished themselves in creative arts globally were given awards at the event, which was part of activities to mark the 90th anniversary of the college.

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Other award recipients were Dr Christopher Kolade (diplomat\broadcaster), Professor Femi Osofisan (poet\playwright), Cyprian Ekwensi (author\broadcaster), Professor Bode Sowande (dramatist) and Ben Enwonwu (artist\painter).

Soyinka, who described the education sector as “horrifying,” said government as policy makers would need to do everything necessary to revamp the sector.

While commending GCIOBA for honouring him and others, and particularly their efforts in bringing back the past glory of the college through provision of various developmental projects for the college, he said the contribution would go a long way in the development of education in the country.

Speaking earlier, the national president of the association and legal luminary, Dr Wale Babalakin, said the six alumni honoured with awards of excellence and series of stage plays stood out not only from other alumni but globally in creative arts.

According to him, the selection team had problem picking just six among numerous other qualified alumni for the award.