Excitements As 65 Ogun Students Benefit from Barods Empowerment Foundation Free WAEC Initiative 

For Nigeria to attain it's full potential and development, it must invest more in its education sector.

These are the submissions of Stakeholders who spoke at the launch of " E go better Academic Support and Empowerment Project" of Barods Empowerment Foundation in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

The foundation also at the ceremony, announced the payment of the West African Examination Council ( WAEC) fees of over 65 students selected across the secondary schools in the State.

The stakeholders noted that Nigeria must prioritize education funding, teaching training as well as provision of conducive environment for learning.

The keynote speaker, JCI Sen. Adekunle Samson while speaking on " The power of Education in Nation-Building", appealed to federal government to revamp the curriculum to match the demands of the 21st century.

He pointed out that China and India have used education - driven policies to become global economic giants, " transforming from a largely agrarian economy to a technological superpower by investing in education, research and skill development".

He said Nigeria has the potential to do the same, saying " Obafemi Awolowo , a man of ahead of his time, pioneered free primary education in western Nigeria. That single decision produced some of the greatest minds we celebrated in the country today".

"Education is not an expense. It is an investment. It is not just a privilege, it is a right. It is not just a policy, it is a moral duty", he stated.

He therefore appealed to FG, " Let us educate , empower and elevate Nigerians and Nigeria to its rightful place on the global stage because when we invest in education, we invest in Nation-Building, innovation, economic prosperity and future that is truly ours to define".

On the project, he stated " The action is sending a message to every child that their dreams are valid, their aspirations are possible, their goals are achievable and their future is secured".

To Gbenga Longe, an educationist, investing in education is non negotiable, stressing that Nigeria must take its education system serious .

He said education is a catalyst for national development, calling on governments at all levels to increase funding of the sector. 

The founder and Chairman of the foundation, Mr. Babatunde Denton, said the payment of WAEC fees was to give hope to some less privilege students who can't afford to pay.

He assured that the foundation would extend the payment to 100 students in the next academic calendar.

Denton , however, called Federal government, Non-governmental Organizations, wealthy individuals to continue to invest and support education system of the country.

The Co - founder of the foundation, 

Ali Banjo who spoke through zoom, charged the beneficiaries to ensure they pass their WAEC, pledging that the foundation would also pay their Joint and Matriculation Examination Board, JAMB exams. 

Students and parents at the occasion, thanked the foundation for the kind gesture.