Human Capital Devt, Key To Economic Growth – Shekarau

Kano State  Governor Ibrahim Shekarau said that any government’s economic programme that did not focus on human capital development was bound to fail.

Shekarau said this in Nsukka in Enugu State on Wednesday while delivering a lecture entitled “Transforming Nigeria Human Capital for National Development”.

Speaking at the 6th University of Nigeria (UNN) Alumni Association ‘Dignity of Man’ lecture as part of activities to mark this year’s convocation of UNN, Shekarau said that the main determinant of human development was quality of education.

The governor stressed that the quality of education in any country was an indication of the level of the citizens’ standard of living.

Shekarau said: “No nation has attained enviable growth without paying special attention to human capital development of the citizenry.

“Making human development number one priority is the best democratic dividend that any government can give to its citizens.

“Poor remuneration of teachers as well as inadequate instructional materials in schools are the bane of education and economy of the country.

“It is shameful that some lecturers and teachers operate taxi cabs or motorcycles later in the day to ensure that their families’ financial obligations are met.

“Massive failure in the last NECO examinations is a testimony that education is not receiving the desired attention,’’ the governor said.

He also identified agriculture as serious factor in human capital development, stressing that for the country to achieve food security, farmers must be empowered through loans, improved seedlings and farm implements.

“No matter your status in the society, you must eat to excel in your profession,” Shekarau said.

He said that he was contesting the presidency in 2011 general elections because of the love he had for the country and that if elected, his administration would mark a milestone in the history of the country.

“My presidential ambition is not to acquire wealth but to show good leadership that  will be anchored on honesty and accountability,’’ he said.

Our correspondent reports that some students were seen chanting solidarity songs for the governor, with some carrying placards that read: “Nigerians support Shekarau’s presidential ambition’’.

“Shekarau is a good man; he will strive to take Nigeria to the next level,’’ the students said.

In a remark, the National President of UNN Alumni Association, Mr Nwanne Chioka, said the governor’s good work in Kano State was a testimony that if elected he would transform the country.

“Free female education up to university level is a testimony of some of the achievements of Shekarau in Kano State,’’ he said.

Chioka said that the governor had helped the association in various capacities in executing some projects.

He said that the association would ensure that UNN re-claimed its position as the best citadel of learning in the country and the African continent.