Wrong choices of politicians kept Nigeria like this - Ex-NCDC boss, Ihekweazu charges students not to lose hope

Ex-NCDC boss Chikwe Ihekweazu, now Assistant Director-General at the World Health Organisation, has implored Nigerians, especially students, to maintain hope for the country's future despite its current challenges. Addressing students at Miva Open University's matriculation ceremony in Abuja, Ihekweazu emphasised that Nigeria's situation was a direct reflection of the choices made by political leaders, urging young people to pursue education not just for personal success but to contribute to national development.

"Ihekweazu cautioned against losing hope, stating that the future Nigeria aspires to achieve cannot be achieved solely through resources. Instead, he argued that it requires educated, engaged, and courageous citizens. Concerned over the high number of out-of-school children and inadequate conditions in many schools and universities, Ihekweazu attributed these issues to poor allocation of resources by political leaders.

He criticised decisions that prioritise personal gain and extravagance over public welfare, such as extravagant travel and under-investment in education.

Ihekweazu stressed that education empowers citizens to question and demand accountability from their leaders, fostering a society capable of transformative change. He urged students to view education beyond a means to personal success, advocating for its use to cultivate critical thinking, confidence, and social consciousness.

Highlighting the importance of inclusive societies, Ihekweazu recommended the book Why Nations Fail by Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson, explaining how concentrated political and economic power can stifle progress. He noted that Europe too experienced periods of aristocratic dominance before progressing towards more inclusive systems, driven by wider access to education.

"Ihekweazu stressed that education should not merely enhance personal comfort but equip individuals to understand and challenge societal institutions, demand justice, and foster inclusivity. He reiterated that education's true purpose is to empower individuals to improve not just their own lives but those of others.

Addressing the students directly, Ihekweazu urged them to recognise their pivotal role in shaping Nigeria's future, emphasising that the nation belongs to all its citizens, not just political leaders. He encouraged them to use their education to build, question, and create opportunities for others, reinforcing that the future of Nigeria is in their hands.