Dr. Funke Adepoju-Olayomi (middle), at the 3rd Education Summit of CGNS
The Director-General of the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Dr Funke Adepoju-Olayomi, has urged stakeholders to shift from temporary relief efforts to transformative, sustainable strategies for tackling poverty.
She delivered the message at the Third Education Summit of the Centre for General Nigerian Studies (CGNS), Lagos State University, Ojo.
Speaking on the theme “From Dote to Antidote: Unpacking the Dimensions of Poverty in Nigeria and the Blueprint Beyond,” Adepoju-Olayomi stressed that poverty is a lived reality that erodes dignity and limits national competitiveness.
She identified education as the strongest tool for breaking the cycle, noting that investment in human capital, governance structures, and enabling systems for women and youth is critical to reversing current trends.
She challenged policymakers to adopt systems thinking and build long-term frameworks that create inclusion and productivity.
Summit Committee Chairman, Prof. Raman Saka, said poverty must be addressed through evidence-based policies and inclusive development. He urged participants to produce actionable solutions that go beyond academic discussions.
Keynote speaker and President of HERPNET University, Ibadan, Prof. Benedict Emunemu, described poverty in Nigeria as widespread and multidimensional, calling for integrated, evidence-driven reforms. CGNS Director, Prof. Mudashiru Mohammed, expressed hope that the summit would yield practical strategies to reduce poverty nationwide.
