By TAIYE OLAYEMI

Concerns over Nigeria’s education system dominated discussions on Saturday at the 45th anniversary lecture and AGM of Victory High School 1981 set in Lagos.

Mr Babatunde Sosina, Chief Responsibility Officer of Information Builders, Nigeria, spoke on ‘Education: Restoring Credibility and Relevance in a Changing Nigeria’.

Sosina said the widening gap between past and present standards reflected not only declining quality but also eroding trust and value in the system.

He said certificates no longer guaranteed success, noting graduates increasingly required additional skills, exposure or luck to secure meaningful livelihoods.

“The difference between then and now is not only quality, but credibility. Then, a certificate carried weight.

“Now, a certificate is no guarantee. Students need extra hustle, exposure, or even luck to translate learning into livelihood.

“So, we hear the slang ‘School na scam’. It isn’t, and it shouldn’t be.

“But when education feels like an expensive gamble, the question becomes: what exactly is the promise of schooling today?” he asked.

Sosina said restoring confidence required increased funding and improved infrastructure across the education sector.

“Addressing inadequate funding is critical. There must be deliberate investment in infrastructure and learning facilities,” he said.

He stressed that investments in laboratories, classrooms and technology were essential to creating a conducive learning environment.

On curriculum reforms, he urged prioritising vocational skills, agriculture and ICT to boost employability and wealth creation.

“We must reform the curriculum to reflect present realities, focusing on practical skills that make graduates job-ready and self-reliant,” he said.

Sosina also called for improved teacher training, better remuneration and continuous professional development to strengthen the system.

He advocated stronger quality assurance mechanisms, particularly in underserved rural areas, to ensure uniform standards nationwide.

He further urged value re-orientation through moral education and social justice to promote patriotism, discipline and ethical leadership.

“Education must not only equip students intellectually but also instil values that shape responsible citizens and future leaders,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Kayode Abiodun, President of the alumni, said the VHS 1981 set had been registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

He said the group’s constitution had been approved and its Board of Trustees formally incorporated.

Abiodun noted efforts were ongoing to expand the current three-member Board in line with stipulated rules.

He disclosed that the VHS ’81 Cooperative Society had also been registered, receiving certification on June 20, 2025.

He described the cooperative as a major step toward promoting thrift and supporting members in wealth creation.

Abiodun commended Akwa Ibom Governor, Mr Umo Eno, for his generosity, noting his continued support as a member.

He added that the group renovated the school’s administrative block and toilets and replaced stolen generator cables for its Sapphire Jubilee.

According to him, additional capital projects are planned for both the school and association once more funds are secured.

The Financial Secretary, Mr Kolawole Macauley, presented the group’s financial report, while the General Secretary outlined first-quarter activities.

The alumni honoured individuals who contributed to educational development and presented gifts to members. (NAN)