Former Nigerian president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has said that he has no regret regarding the educational policies taken during his regime.

Obasanjo who was challenged by a professor at the 7th Round table organised by the Staff Club of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, that during his (Obasanjo) tenure in 1984, catering for students was abolished.
While responding to the question, Obasanjo said, “I have no regrets in whatever I have done in the education sector. If I have the chance, I will do it again. When I came in as a military head, I established UBE (Universal Basic Education), when I came in as a civilian president, I established UBE.
“I have no regrets regarding the decisions I took in terms of education including removing free food in our institutions. We had 53 institutions when I came in 1999 but as at the time I left we had 150 institutions. I prefer to have all persons in schools than to have some few persons simply enjoying free food.”
While reacting to a question on security, Obasanjo expressed doubt that the Chibok girls can be rescued, noting that the previous administration reaction’s was not pro-active enough.
“I have said it before, 72 hours after the Chibok girls were adopted was too late for their rescue, not talk less getting to two years. To be sincere, only an act of God can return the Chibok girls. If any leader is promising bringing back of Chibok girls to Nigeria, he is lying. Nobody can bring back the girls for they are nowhere to be found,” he added.
On the discord between him and Nobel Laurete, Professor Wole Soyinka, Obasanjo said he had no issue with Soyinka but added that, “I will trust Wole Soyinka as an “Aparo Hunter” than trusting him as a political analyst. I have no issue with him.”
Earlier, Obasanjo has expressed support for the unity move by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
Obasanjo during a visitation to the Ooni’s palace in Ile-Ife in his Yoruba regalia, prostrated for the Ooni as a sign of respect.
While some of those present during the visit were surprised with the prostration, other applauded and hailed the former president.
The former president explained that the unity move by the Ooni was important for the progress of Yorubaland.
He urged the Ooni not to relent in his move to ensure unity, adding that Ife remained the source of Yorubaland.
He said, “I commend the role of Ooni in ensuring peace in Yorubaland. Continue what you are doing, especially your unity course. I am happy with the move taken so far.
“It is only a sign of honour for the Ooni to visit anyone. That does not stop Ile-Ife from its position in the history of Yorubaland.”
Obasanjo subsequently prayed for the progress of Ife and Yorubaland.
He also apologised for not being present at the Ooni’s coronation.
On his part, the Ooni expressed appreciation for the former president’s visit.
Among those present during the visitation were Dr. Femi Okunnu; Femi Majekodunmi; Chief Oyewole Faseye; Ayo Balogun and a host of others.
https://dailytimes.ng/i-dont-regret-my-actions-policy-in-education-obasanj%E2%80%8Eo/

Sodiq Oyeleke is a Media, Human Resources, Project Management and Public Relations Practitioner

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