Former Interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, has identified the lack of mass education as the root cause of the relentless killings and insecurity in parts of Nigeria, particularly the North.
Speaking on Friday at his 87th birthday celebration held at the University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun, Osun State, the elder statesman argued that a deliberate and universal education programme is the only viable solution to the nation’s security challenges.
Akande, who served as the Governor of Osun State between 1999 and 2003, drew a sharp contrast between the security situation in the South West and the North, attributing the relative stability in the South West to the educational legacy of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
“The answer to insecurity is mass education,” Akande declared. “Obafemi Awolowo introduced mass education 70 years ago around 1955 and that is why we are not killing ourselves in the South West.”
The octogenarian urged the federal government to prioritize the education sector, noting that ignorance strips humans of their humanity.
“When you are not educated, you are an animal,” he stated bluntly. “When you are not educated, you don’t mind killing people; you can be a murderer and you won’t be ashamed of it.”
He admitted that while the current generation cannot instantly eradicate the educational deficit in the North, the adoption of deep, mass, and universal education is the only path to a gradual resolution.
Beyond security, Chief Akande criticized the lowering of educational standards in Nigeria, warning that policies which promote cutting corners such as lowering pass marks to 20% or 25% will lead to the enslavement of the country by superior global powers.
He compared Nigeria’s approach unfavourably with nations like China and the United States, where meritocracy is paramount.
“Good education will make you competitive with the global world. If you offer 25% as a pass mark in the university, you can’t compete with China that expects you to score 80% based on absolute meritocracy,” he argued.
“Here in Nigeria, it is about cutting corners… You won’t have that knowledge, you won’t be able to compete with the advanced world, and you will be enslaved; your land will be taken over by strangers.”
In his goodwill message, President Bola Tinubu described the event as a rare privilege to celebrate a life defined by integrity, courage, and a devotion to democratic ideals.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, the President said, “The history of our nation’s progress towards democracy is incomplete without the special place preserved for you. This is a privilege to honour a life filled with humility and unwavering commitment to democracy.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Dr. Aminu Yusuf, who chaired the event, described Akande as a rare statesman whose legacy of discipline and selfless leadership remains a guiding light for future leaders.
The Osun State APC Governorship candidate, Asiwaju. Bola Oyebamiji, extolled Akande as an exemplary leader and a living institution of knowledge.
The event attracted a host of dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of Kwara State; former Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole; Senator Fadeyi Ajagunla; and Senator Lola Ashiru.
Royal fathers in attendance included the Orangun of Ila, Oba Abdulwahab Oyedotun; the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdulrosheed Olabomi; and the Oloyan of Oyan, Oba Kilani Oyedare Adekeye, among others.
