Former President, Goodluck Jonathan, on Friday, advocated the removal of limitations placed on women’s progression in their chosen fields of endeavour.
Jonathan made this disclosure while speaking as Chairman on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary Celebration of Igbinedion University, Okada in Edo State.
The former President who ruled Nigeria from 2009 to 2015, highlighted some of the progressives policies, which included the admission of women into the Nigeria Defence Academy.
Speaking at the event, Jonathan said as President, he ensured that women were admitted into the Nigeria Defence Academy. He, however, recalled that he faced serious challenges but had his way as the President of the country.
He said, “It is worth noting that women have become an integral part of the military set. With some of them going ahead to become some of the best jet fighters.
“I recall the challenges faced by women in the military. But as President, I directed that the Nigeria Defence Academy commence admission of women into the institution.
“However, some of the ideas, which could have helped in the technological development of the country were jettisoned.
The former President, therefore advocated those limitations against women’s progression in their chosen fields of endeavour be eliminated.
Jonathan also called for the recalibration of the nation’s school curriculum to prioritize skills acquisition and and technology. He maintained that curriculum should de-emphasize certificates acquisition.
He explained that emphasis on skills acquisition and technology in all fields of the country’s educational system is very vital. The former President maintained it would hasten the development of the country.
The former lecturer and ex-President of Nigeria condemned cultism and bullying in the nation’s lower school system. He, therefore, called on the Government at all levels to put a stop to the menace.
Jonathan used the occasion to thank former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar for approving the establishment of Igbinedion University. He noted that if he hadn’t done that, “the establishment of the several private universities in the country would not have been possible.”
Jonathan also commended the courage and vision of the founder of Igbinedion University, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom. He thanked him for establishing the institution.
The former President said, “Because the university is doing well, that gave other entrepreneurs the impetus to establish other private universities in the country.
Jonathan, therefore, thanked God for using Abubakar to bring democracy to the country.
source: PUNCH