Photo caption: Former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, on Saturday, said some of the progressive ideas he instituted during his tenure were jettisoned after his exit from office.
Jonathan, who was the president from 2010 to 2015, stated this while speaking as Chairman on the occasion of the 25th anniversary celebration of Igbinedion University, Okada in Edo State.
The former president, who said that he ensured that women were admitted into the Nigeria Defence Academy, recalled that he faced serious challenge, but had his way as the president of the country.
He said it was worthy to note that women had become an integral part of the military set with some of them going ahead to become some of the best jet fighters.
He said, “I recall the challenges faced by women in the military. But as President, I direct the Nigeria Defence Academy to commence admission of women into the institution.
“However, some of the ideas, which could have help in the technological development of the country, were jettisoned.
The former President who noted challenges women were facing in various career fields, advocated that limitations against women progression in their chosen fields of endeavour should be eliminated.
He also called for the recalibration of the nation’s school curriculum to prioritise skills acquisition, technology and de-emphasize certificates.
The ex-President explained that emphasis on skills acquisition and technology in all fields of the country’s educational system was the way to go to hasten the development of the country.
He also condemned cultism and bullying at the nation’s lower school system and called on government at all levels to put a stop to the menace.
He thanked former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar for approving the establishment of Igbinedion University, noting that if he didn’t do that, the establishment of the several private universities in the country would not have been possible.
