Former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, on Friday, said some of the progressive ideas he instituted during his tenure were jettisoned after his exit from office.

Jonathan who was the President from 2010 to 2015, stated this while speaking as Chairman on the occasion of the 25th anniversary celebration of Igbinedion University, Okada in Edo State.

The former president who said he ensured that women were admitted into the Nigeria Defence Academy, recalled that he faced serious challenges but had his way as the president of the country.

He said it is worth noting that women have become an integral part of the military set with some of them going ahead to become some of the best jet fighters.

He said, “I recall the challenges faced by women in the military. But as President, I directed that the Nigeria Defence Academy commence admission of women into the institution.

“However some of the ideas, which could have helped in the technological development of the country were jettisoned. “

The former President who noted challenges faced by women in various career fields, advocated that limitations against women’s progression in their chosen fields of endeavour should be eliminated.

He also called for the recalibration of the nation’s school curriculum to prioritize skills acquisition, and technology and de-emphasise certificates.

The ex-president explained that emphasis on skills acquisition and technology in all fields of the country’s educational system was the way to go to hasten the development of the country.

He also condemned cultism and bullying in the nation’s lower school system and called on the government at all levels to put a stop to the menace.

He thanked former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar for approving the establishment of Igbinedion University, noting that if he hadn’t done that, “the establishment of the several private universities in the country would not have been possible”.

While commending the courage and vision of the Founder of Igbinedion University, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, in establishing the institution, he said because the university is doing well, that gave the impetus to other entrepreneurs to establish other private universities in the country.

He thanked God for using Abubakar to bring democracy to the country.

On his part, Abubakar commended Chief Igbinedion for his foresight in establishing the university, saying “25 years ago, we gave a license to establish this University and Esama has been making progress. Esama, we congratulate you”.

He also thanked the Okada Community for their role in bringing peace to the university, adding “In the next 25 years most of us won’t be here. I wish you well in your celebration”.

Earlier, Deputy Pro-Chancellor of the university, Lucky Igbinedion, who spoke on behalf of the Pro-Chancellor, and Founder of the university said 25 years after, the noble effort of establishing the institution has paid off with the springing up of more private universities in the country.

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Lawrence IkechukwuEzemonye who reeled out several achievements of the institution in the past 25 years, disclosed that it has churned 60,000 graduates since inception. (Saturday PUNCH)

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