By Joseph Erunke, Abuja
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 election, Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President and ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, Founder and Pro-Chancellor of Baze University, Senator Mohammed Datti Baba-Ahmed, and educationist Barrister Kenneth Imansuangbon have urged governments at all levels to prioritise quality education as the foundation for national development.
The leaders made the call on Sunday at the 2026 Graduation, Speech and Prize-Giving Ceremony of Pacesetters Schools, Abuja, where they emphasised that sustained investment in education is critical to economic growth, innovation, peace and national progress.
They also advised graduating students to pursue success through hard work, integrity and discipline rather than seeking shortcuts.
Represented by his wife, Hajiya Amina Titi Abubakar, Atiku described education as the greatest catalyst for national transformation and urged governments to ensure every Nigerian child has access to quality education.
He warned the graduates against engaging in internet fraud, drug trafficking, prostitution and other criminal activities in pursuit of quick wealth.
According to him, true success should be measured by service to humanity and positive contributions to society rather than material possessions.
Delivering the keynote address, Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed said education should produce individuals who are not only knowledgeable but also morally upright and committed to nation-building.
He stressed that learning extends beyond the classroom and formal certificates, adding that genuine education combines knowledge with wisdom, integrity and discipline.
“Knowledge without character is a body without a skeleton. Knowledge without wisdom lacks direction, while knowledge without morality loses its purpose,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed urged the graduates to embrace lifelong learning, technological innovation, honesty and perseverance, warning that shortcuts to success often end in failure.
Former Senate President David Mark, represented by Senator Tunde Ogbeha, reminded the graduates that education is a continuous process that extends beyond graduation.
He encouraged them to continually improve their knowledge and skills while upholding integrity and good character in all aspects of life.
Earlier, the Proprietor of Pacesetters Schools, Barrister Kenneth Imansuangbon, described education as Nigeria’s greatest investment, insisting that no nation can achieve sustainable development without giving priority to quality learning.
He urged governments to increase funding for education, improve learning standards and guarantee equal access to quality education for every Nigerian child, irrespective of social or economic background.
According to him, Pacesetters Schools remains committed to producing graduates equipped with critical thinking, creativity, entrepreneurial skills and leadership qualities needed to solve societal problems.
“The future of every nation is determined by the quality of education it provides for its young people,” Imansuangbon said.
Also speaking, former Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye, urged the graduates to promote national unity and compassion, describing ethnic and religious divisions as major obstacles to Nigeria’s development.
He encouraged them to remain focused on their goals and pursue their ambitions with determination.
“You must picture the future you want to feature in,” Melaye said.
The ceremony was attended by several political leaders and education stakeholders, including former Osun State Governor and ADC National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola; former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Oyegun; former Edo State Governor, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor; and former Pro-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Emenike Ikechi.
The event featured the presentation of prizes to outstanding pupils and students for excellence in academics, leadership, character and extracurricular activities, as well as cultural displays and other performances.
