Education In Decline, Only Strong Values Can Save Us, Don Warns – Independent Newspaper Nigeria

…..Gbongan High School ’85 Set Marks 40th Anniversary

The 40th anniversary celebration of the 1985 set of Gbongan Community High School, Gbongan, on Saturday, August 23, 2025, turned into a sober reflection on the state of education in Nigeria, as Guest Lecturer, Dr. Hezekiah Olaniran of the University of Ibadan, warned that secondary education is on a dangerous decline.

The event, held on the school premises, brought together alumni, parents, teachers, students, community leaders, and government representatives. It featured lectures, reflections, goodwill messages, and the unveiling of a new school signboard.

Delivering the keynote lecture, Dr. Olaniran lamented the poor quality of teacher training, the growing influence of social media on students, and the challenges posed by the artificial intelligence (AI) era.

“We must be careful, because what we call education today is producing half-baked graduates,” he said.

“When teachers are poorly trained and students are more on TikTok than on textbooks, then society is in trouble. And with the dawn of Artificial Intelligence, many are becoming lazy.”

“Only students with critical thinking, strong values, and sound training will survive. That is why alumni, parents, and governments must act together. Anyone who says education is a scam is the true victim of ignorance.”

Speaking on behalf of the Osun State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Eluwole Sunday Adedipo, the Executive Secretary and Zonal Inspector of Education, Mr. Mojeed Kayode Ganiyu, reaffirmed government’s commitment to revamping the sector. He, however, noted that parents, alumni, and community leaders must deepen their roles.

“Education is the core of human development, but for it to be truly impactful, parents, old students, and communities must complement government efforts. Nothing influences a child’s success more than responsible parenting, and no reform can thrive without strong alumni support,” he said.

He commended the Gbongan ’85 alumni for employing teachers, awarding scholarships, and filling critical staffing gaps.

Earlier in his welcome address, Aremo Olusegun Oyindasola, Director General of the Alumni Association (Set ’85), highlighted how the group has been employing about 15 teachers for over eight years due to shortages.

“For us, Gbongan Community High School is our pride and our root. It was because we had good teachers during our time that we became professors, judges, business moguls, and leaders.”

“We will not abandon our school because this is the soil that nurtured us. But we cannot do it alone, we plead with government to do more, so that our children can have the same solid foundation we had,” he said.

Revd (Major) Femi Ade Olojede, the 1985 Senior Prefect (Boys), spoke about the discipline the school instilled in him.

“This school taught me discipline. It taught me courage. It taught me to respect authority and to also lead when the moment calls for it. If not for the strong foundation I got here, I might not have risen to the level I am today in the military and in ministry. That is why I will continue to give back,” he said.

Chief (Mrs.) Bukola Oni, Senior Prefect (Girls, 1985), also reflected on the life-changing impact of her teachers.

“I stand here today as a woman who rose from the classrooms of Gbongan Community High School to leadership in business and community life. What made the difference were dedication, commitment, my teachers, their discipline, their encouragement, and their belief that we could succeed. I want to tell every student listening to me today: your background should not put your back on the ground,” she advised.

The highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the newly built school signboard. Present at the event were the Acting Permanent Secretary of TESCOM, Mrs. Farotimi, alongside several dignitaries and community leaders.