Former Minister of Power, Professor Barth Nnaji, has praised the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo for introducing Free Universal Primary Education (UPE) in Western Nigeria, describing it as the most important milestone in the nation’s education history.
Speaking at the 70th anniversary of the UPE programme during the Daily Independent Awards Ceremony in Lagos, Prof. Nnaji said the policy led to a massive rise in school enrolment and transformed education in the region. He noted that Awolowo, who was posthumously honoured with a Legacy Award, was a visionary leader who understood the power of education in driving progress.
According to Nnaji, the quality of education remains the key difference between developed and developing nations. He urged present-day leaders to emulate Awolowo’s commitment by investing more in basic education to lift future generations out of poverty and ignorance.
