President of Ikeja Club, Aare Adeleke Musediq, wants the Federal Government to overhaul the 6-3-3-4 system of education and take measures to discourage massive migration of Nigerians abroad in search of jobs or education, a trend tagged the Japa Syndrome.
He spoke at the Club’s Independence Day celebration, lamenting that the educational system has failed to achieve its goals.
He said: “Some students are now dropping out after JSS 3 due to hike in school fees, thereby swelling the number of unemployable Nigerians. Many of them cannot even afford to enroll for WAEC and JAMB exams, due to the high cost of enrolment.”
He called on the government to reintroduce and strengthen scholarship schemes, which attract many young Nigerians to higher institutions abroad and to reintroduce agricultural schemes to young Nigerians, with inspiring emoluments. The schemes, he said, would engage persons with secondary school certificates and young graduates of tertiary of institutions.
“Government should also consider making courses relating to cultural diversity of the country compulsory subjects in our schools. This will check the current trend, whereby our future leaders are fast losing grip of their cultural background,” he added.
On job creation, he called for the creation of enabling environment by all tiers of government to inspire foreign and local investors to establish industries in the country.
The industries, according to him, would create job opportunities for teeming unemployed Nigerian youths.
“We call on government to set up programmes that will enable students to work and further their studies,” he added.
In his remarks, the immediate past President of the club, Otunba Ayodeji Randle, described Ikeja Club as a foremost socially-responsible club in Lagos, committed to advocacy and activities aimed at bringing about good development not only in the Lagos State but in the entire country.
He expressed happiness that the new president has all it takes to move the club to greater heights and urged him to remain focused.
The anniversary celebration was attended by prominent members of the club and friends.