Former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) delivered a stark critique of Nigeria’s education system, stating the nation is “paying a heavy price” for chronic underfunding and neglect.
He described the state of many schools as “broken” during a keynote address marking the 94th Founders Day of Igbobi College, Lagos.Speaking on the theme, “Building generational strength for educational institutions in Nigeria,” Osinbajo linked the crisis in foundational education to a broader failure in leadership development.
He argued that the disciplined environment of secondary schools from pre-dawn wake-up calls to strict routines is fundamental to shaping the nation’s future leaders.
“The habits that sustain adults are formed in schools, and not improvised later in life,” Osinbajo asserted. “By the time a child turns 18, their ethical instincts are already likely formed.”
The former Vice President emphasized that the roots of effective governance and integrity begin far earlier than in public office, calling for a collective effort to address the shortfall.
He urged corporate organizations, alumni associations, and private citizens to urgently complement government action.
In a direct response to this call, the Igbobi College Old Boys’ Association (ICOBA) used the occasion to launch a historic N10 billion Endowment Fund. The ambitious initiative aims to revitalize the institution’s infrastructure and secure its legacy for the next hundred years, serving as a model for private intervention in the education sector.
The event highlighted a growing consensus among stakeholders that reversing the decline in Nigeria’s education system is critical to securing the country’s future stability and prosperity.
