A book titled The Nigerian University System: Downswings And The Way Forward written by erudite Prof Steve Okecha was unveiled and presented to the public yesterday April 27, 2024. The event held at Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos State.
Addressing the mammoth crowd, the chairman of the occasion HE Donald Duke, OON former governor of Cross River State said the book is a Handbook for policy makers on our educational system and appreciated Prof Okecha for the courage to write the book. He went further to say that most Nigerian parents make mistake of sending their children out of the country at very early stage of their growth.
Doing so according to Donald Duke deculturizes the child because he has left to learn the culture of another place and may not come back to his/ her roots. In his opinion the right thing to do is to be properly trained here before leaving the country for greener pasture if at all there would be need for such movement.
Prof Jerry Gana, CON former Minister of Information as Keynote Speaker thrilled the audience with wise cracks. He told the story of how GSM was introduced in Nigeria through an information he got somewhere which he sold to the then President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Olusegun Obasanjo.
To him President Obasanjo is one man every Nigerian must appreciate for his level of pragmatism and always encouraging technological advancement. “I have always known Prof Okecha as we have lived together in many places and it is my humble prayer that our children keep the sail. Okecha is a name synonymous with positive vibes and a fearless writer. This book no doubt, would transform the minds of the readers. It is highly recommended.”
The book was reviewed by Prof Nkenchor Onyekpe , FHSN of the Department of History and Strategic Studies, University of Lagos. He marshalled the book chapter by chapter, thus making it a must read book.
The Royal Father of the Day HRM Keagborekuzi graced the occasion with some of his palace Chiefs.
The Guests of Honour were Major General John Ochai, Commandant, Nigeria Defence Academy, Kaduna and Olorogun Albert Akpomudje SAN the Traditional Prime Minister of Olomu Kingdom and the President General Worldwide, Government College, Ughelli Old Boys Association.
The Special Guest of Honour Rt Hon (Elder) Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State and the Chief Presenter Sen Ned Nwoko sent representatives who were equal to the task.
Brig General Mike Ndubisi, President General, Ndokwa Neku Union, NNU, and few of his cabinet members, a delegation of Ukwuani Foundation Union, UFU, Ndosimili Development Union, NDU, Sam Omatseye, Okwa Barr Chidi Egwuenu, Austin Avuru, Chief FM Ochonogor Managing Director, DESOPADEC and Chris Ofikulu of Polaris Bank were at the occasion.
Others were Chief Chinoye Daphey-Aliu, Chief Mrs Christine Nzeli, a handful of Ndokwa Women’s Association, Chief Gold Nzete, Chief Isaac Ananyi, Barr Chukwudi Enebeli, Dr Robert Uzu of Ruzu Herbal Products, Pst Joseph Ebinum of Bellarks Polytechnic, Kwale and many others too numerous to be listed attended in spite of their busy schedules.
It was indeed a gathering of who’s who in academia, politics, business and other spheres of life.
The high point was unveiling of the book by the representative of Sen Ned Nwoko and launching.
The Nigerian Army Band provided the interlude music.
