Gbajabiamila Urges Investment in Education to Avoid Irrelevance

Femi Gbajabiamila, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, issued a warning in Abuja at the 2026 International Day of Education conference, stating that Nigeria risks global irrelevance if it fails to invest strategically in education. The conference, themed "Reimagining the Future of Education in Nigeria," was attended by various stakeholders, including current Speaker Tajudeen Abba, who delivered a goodwill message.

Gbajabiamila highlighted the necessity of prioritizing human capital development and ensuring access to quality education based on merit rather than privilege. He noted the economic hardships that deny many Nigerians the opportunity for higher education.

During his tenure, he sponsored a student loan bill aimed at eliminating financial barriers to tertiary education, which President Bola Tinubu assented to within three months of his administration. This initiative led to the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.

Gbajabiamila also commended the 10th House of Representatives for intensifying oversight of the tertiary education fund to advance student welfare and promote reforms for improved transparency and accountability.