Education, key to vibrant economy – Osinbajo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has described education as key to a vibrant economic development.

Speaking at the 29th Convocation ceremony of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) organised in honour of Cadets of 66 Regular Course, Postgraduate students and honorary degree awardees – totalling 1,562, Osinbajo expressed the readiness of the federal government to prioritise its policies along that line.

Represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha, the Vice President said the federal government had already embarked on programme of reforming the education in the country in general and higher education in particular.

According to him, “the country looks forward to NDA to lead both in academic excellence and security of our territorial integrity. And this can be done by providing high standard of education and professionalism.

“Education is the key to a knowledge-driven economy and secured society. NDA has improved tremendously on existing structure and process for reconstruction and transfer of knowledge in our country.

“It is in the light of this that, the federal government embarked on education reform. Under this reform, policies have been developed to close the gap between degree and HND holders, all towards improving the competency of Nigerian higher institutions on a scale that increase their capacity for self employment and competitiveness.

“With regard to military training, the Academy must continue to maintain its unbeatable standard and respect for human rights. Let me emphasise that, knowledge-driven economy and military professionalism hold the key to our achievements and global competitiveness.

“Over the years, NDA has invested heavily on staff development, technology and infrastructural development. As a result, the Academy has calved a niche for itself been the first armed forces university in Sub-Sahara Africa.

“It is important to add that the federal government is determined to succeed in its policy priorities which include national security, economy and anti-corruption”, he restated.

Earlier, the Commandant of NDA, Major General Adeniyi Oyebade told the invited guests that the Academy would continue to be the best in knowledge and character in the global eye by way of producing best human resources for the country’s economy and protection of its territorial integrity.