The need for the preservation of Nigeria rich culture has once again been stressed.
The Vice Chancellor, Federal University Lokoja, Professor Akinwumi Olayemi stated this at a lecture delivered titled: ” The Role of School Administrators in the Regeneration and Promotion of Our Eroded Culture: Kogi State in Perspective” at the maiden edition of the Nigeria Education Merit Award held in Lokoja.
Represented by Doctor Segun Joshua, the Vice Chancellor said cultural heritage and traditions serves as a link from one generation to another hence the need to accord it the priority it deserves.
According to him, School Administrators play indispensable roles which should go beyond school management by encouraging critical thinking on cultural preservation, invite guest speakers such local artists, musicians, historians or members of cultural organisations to share knowledge and experiences about Kogi State perspective.
In his opening remark, the Coordinator, Nigeria Education Merit Award Platform, Asiwaju Ayodele Temidayo said the programme was intended to serve as a motivational impetus among core educationist, tutors, scholars and school administrators thereby serving as a source of inspiration to the younger and unborn generations.
Asiwaju Ayodele Temidayo said Kogi State was selected due to the massive investment of the State Government in the education sector which is impacting on the quality of outputs at all levels of education in the State.
He expressed appreciation to the immediate past Governor of the State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello for his giant strides in the education sector, the present Governor for sustaining the success story and the Commissioner for Education, Hon Wemi Jones for driving the course of education in Kogi State.
He said the merit award platform will extend its tentacles to all the State of the Federation with Nasarawa State as next in line.
23 schools from both public and private schools were given due recognition for thier various contributions and investment in the education sector according to the Coordinator.
Responding on behalf of award recipients, the Principal, Al-Ansar Secondary School, New Layout, Lokoja, Alhaji Ibrahim Gimba Yabagi expressed appreciation to the organisers for finding schools recognised worthy of the award and assured of giving thier best to the development of education in Kogi State at all times.
Speaking about the programme , the Principal, GYB Secondary School, Lokoja, Chief Ajofe Yakubu Godwins said the award recognition to schools is about supporting Government modest contributions to the education sector.
While expressing appreciation to the organisers, appealed to Government at all levels to give more attention to technical education and vocational skills as well as welfare of teachers.
In his remark, the chairman, Kogi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Alhaji Seidu Ademu Haruna described the event as a welcome development that will spur others to contribute positively to the development of the education sector in the State.
Some of the schools given award include; Julitola international school, Al- Ansar Sec Sch, Lokoja, Ahmad Rufai Memorial Group of Schs, Enyidudu Inoziomi, Mubarak Model Academy, Ege, National Group of Sch, Ayingba and Folu International Schools, Isanlu, Yagba West amogst others.
Highlights of the occasion was the presentation of plagues to outstanding schools.
