Nation
Nigeria Risks Drifting Without Strong Education Policies-Don
Nigeria’s quest for national greatness may remain elusive if educational policies continue to suffer poor implementation, Prof Nathaniel Abraham has warned, declaring that education remains the strategic compass capable of steering the country toward sustainable growth and global competitiveness.
The respected scholar made this assertion while delivering the 206th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Port Harcourt at its Abuja Centre of Excellence. His lecture, titled, “The Rudderless Ship and Its Major Rescuer,” employed a striking maritime metaphor to illustrate the state of the nation’s educational system and, by extension, its development trajectory.
According to Prof. Abraham, the rudder, though a small and seemingly insignificant component located at the rear of a ship, determines the direction, stability, and safety of the entire vessel. Without it, even the most magnificent ship with powerful engines and sophisticated equipment will drift aimlessly and is at risk of wreckage. He likened this crucial component to educational policies in a nation’s governance structure, arguing that policies serve as the guiding mechanism that determines whether a country reaches its intended destination or wanders endlessly without direction.
In his analysis, he noted that Nigeria possesses abundant human and natural resources and is not! lacking in intellectual capacity or policy formulation. However, he emphasised that the country’s recurring challenge lies in weak implementation, inconsistency, and a culture of cutting corners.
He recalled that at independence in 1960, Nigeria stood shoulder to shoulder with several nations that are now classified among the world’s leading economies. The difference, he maintained, is not destiny or potential, but discipline and adherence to policy execution.
“What made them move forward was discipline and the will to implement policies the way they were designed. For as long as we trivialise our educational policies, we will continue to drift. But the moment we commit to proper implementation, Nigeria is destined for greatness,” he stated.
Prof. Abraham stressed that education remains the foundation upon which every other sector stands. He argued that a properly structured and effectively managed educational system produces competent manpower, ethical leadership, innovation, and national cohesion. Conversely, a poorly managed system weakens governance, slows economic growth, and undermines social stability.
Delving into higher education administration, the Professor identified funding as a critical coordinate of effective university management. Drawing from his scholarly publications in international journals, he explained that adequate and well-managed funding directly impacts teaching quality, research output, infrastructure development, staff motivation, and global competitiveness of universities.
He described the current funding situation in Nigerian universities as grossly inadequate, noting that without intentional and strategic financial investment, reforms may remain theoretical.
“Funding is very poor. If we address it deliberately and commit to doing it right, the transformation will be evident,” he affirmed.
Beyond funding, he called for collective responsibility in rebuilding the education sector, urging policymakers, administrators, lecturers, parents, and students to play active roles in restoring value and credibility to the system.
He emphasised that education should not be seen as the exclusive concern of those currently within school walls, but as a national asset that shapes future generations and determines the country’s long-term prosperity.
Respondents at the well-attended lecture described it as both diagnostic and prescriptive, noting that Prof. Abraham not only identified systemic weaknesses but also offered a roadmap for reform. Some participants expressed optimism that the insights presented could serve as a blueprint for policymakers if carefully studied and adopted.
The event drew members of the academia, deans, the clergy, stakeholders, and guests from various sectors who commended the inaugural lecturer for what many described as a courageous and timely intervention in the national conversation on education.
At the conclusion of the lecture, Prof. Abraham was flanked by deans and colleagues in recognition of his contribution to scholarship and public discourse.
The 206th Inaugural Lecture once again highlighted the role of the University of Port Harcourt as a centre for intellectual engagement and policy advocacy. More importantly, it amplified a central message: without a functional “rudder” in the form of faithfully implemented educational policies, Nigeria’s journey toward development may remain uncertain. But with discipline, adequate funding, and unwavering commitment to policy execution, the nation can chart a new course toward enduring greatness.
Rivers State University and the Otonti Nduka Foundation for Values Education jointly hosted a two-day National Conference on 8 and 9 May 2026 to examine the state of values in Nigeria.
The two days conference held at Rivers State University convocation arena brought together academics, policymakers, legal experts and education leaders under the theme _“Trends and Challenges in Upholding Values in Nigeria.”_
The gathering focused on policy gaps, curriculum reform, and the role of ethics in public service and education.
The event opened on Friday with remarks from Vice Chancellor Prof. Chief Isaac Zeb-Obipi, who stressed the need to address declining moral and civic values across Nigeria’s education and public sectors. A book of abstracts for the plenary sessions was also presented to participants.
Key speakers included former Attorney General Chief Dr Kanu Agabi, SAN; NERDC Executive Secretary Prof. Shehu Salisu; Prof. Hauwa Imam, FNAE, of the University of Abuja; former Rivers SUBEB Chairman Ven Dr Fyneface Akah, ; former NIMASA DG Dr Hon. Dakuku Adol-Peterside; and RSU Director of ICT Prof. Sunny Orike.
Discussions centered on integrating values education into schools, tertiary institutions and public institutions, alongside the impact of technology on moral development among young Nigerians. Panel and plenary sessions produced practical recommendations for curriculum and policy reform.
On Saturday, the foundation marked its centenary with the unveiling of the book _Otonti Nduka in History_, launched by Chief Engr. Grant Offor, FNSE. The Nigerian Academy of Education held a ceremonial procession led by its President Prof. Olu Jegede and the Ikwerre Professors Forum.
In a communiqué, participants called for stronger collaboration between government, civil society and academia to mainstream values education nationwide. They recommended reviewing teacher training curricula and expanding digital platforms to promote ethical civic engagement, with the foundation pledging to share the outcomes with education authorities for implementation.
Dignitaries present included Ogbakor Ikwerre Worldwide as Chief Host, Prof. Emeritus Chief T. Uzodimma Nwala, the Ikenga 1 of Mbaise and first philosophy student of Prof. Otonti Nduka, alongside scholars and community leaders.
Amadi Akujobi
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
Chairman of MAN, Rivers and Bayelsa Branch, Elder Vincent Okuku, described gas as indispensable to industrial operations, noting that many manufacturers continue to struggle with the high cost of alternative energy sources.
Similarly, President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr. Chinyere Ngozi Nwoga, said the transition to natural gas had become increasingly necessary for businesses seeking stable and cost-efficient operations.
“Pipeline natural gas provides a more cost-effective and reliable source of energy for industries,” she stated.
Also speaking, former Chairman of MAN in Rivers and Bayelsa States, Mrs. Emilia Akpan, stressed the need to align energy infrastructure development with investment in human capacity.
She maintained that rebuilding the state’s economy would require not only reliable energy supply but also the development of technical skills needed to support long-term industrial growth.
By Kevin Nengia
The City Boy Movement in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers state has commended Senator Allwell Onyesoh on his victory in the APC primary election for Rivers East Senatorial District.
Chairman of the group in Etche, Dr. Fortune Uchenna Obi, spoke to journalists in Okehi Ward after participating in Monday’s direct primary. He described Onyesoh’s emergence as the party’s candidate for the 2027 senatorial election as a reflection of the people’s will.
Dr. Obi said the senator has performed well during his first term and deserves re-election. He also thanked FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, leader of the Renewed Hope Agenda and Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State, for supporting Onyesoh’s candidacy. According to him, Wike’s backing was instrumental to the senator’s nomination, clearance, and victory at the primary.
He further praised voters in Etche and across Rivers East for turning out in large numbers at ward centers and urged them to sustain the support to ensure Onyesoh’s success in the January 2027 general election.
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