Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has reiterated the urgent need for greater investment in Nigeria’s education sector, calling on government institutions, corporate organisations, and philanthropists to prioritise human capital development.
Speaking at the 29th convocation ceremony of Ekiti State University (EKSU) in Ado-Ekiti, where he received an honorary doctorate, Bamidele underscored the transformative power of education, citing examples from developed nations in Asia, Europe, and North America. He stressed that Nigeria’s quest for economic progress hinges on sustained investment in quality education that nurtures innovation and global competitiveness.
“The kind of education we need is one that liberates minds, transforms generations, and creates limitless opportunities,” he stated.
Bamidele emphasised that education-driven economies have produced global entrepreneurs such as Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg, proving that strategic investments in knowledge and innovation yield remarkable national development. He insisted that Nigeria must adopt a deliberate approach to fostering similar success stories.
Beyond advocacy, Bamidele’s contributions to EKSU include new hostel facilities, a mini stadium, and an FM radio station for students, projects that highlight his commitment to educational development. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayodele Joseph, acknowledged his role in securing increased funding for the institution, raising its monthly subvention from N260 million to N410 million.
