kakalistiq.com reports that Senator Tokunbo Abiru, FCA, has reinforced his dedication to fostering human capital development across the Lagos East Senatorial District, emphasizing the critical role education plays in building a prosperous future.
The Chairman, house Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions made the statement in Lagos on Wednesday October 9th 2024 at the Annual Inter-School Debate Competition for Public Secondary Schools in Ikorodu Division organized by KAODWAD and Associates in partnership with Ikorodu Local Government.
Represented by Dr. Saheed Ibikunle at a recent event, Abiru stressed the importance of equipping both students and teachers with cutting-edge knowledge, particularly in the realm of technology and artificial intelligence.
Drawing on the popular analogy of “teach me how to fish, rather than give me fish,” Abiru highlighted the creation of the Senator Tokunbo Abiru Innovative Laboratory (SAIL LAB) as a game-changing initiative. “The children are far more knowledgeable today, and the SAIL LAB gives them a platform to explore, especially with AI. Teachers must be on the same knowledge plane as their students to ensure effective learning,” he said.
Abiru also noted that educational development is central to human capital growth, a priority championed by the local government chairman. Reflecting on the transformative impact of educational programs like debate competitions, he explained, “Their beliefs will change as a result of these interactions. You’re building in them self-confidence. You’re making them able to stand tall, share their thoughts and beliefs, and develop critical thinking skills.”
“You’ve given them a platform for collaboration, a platform for empowerment.
You’ve given them a platform for them to partner because they will be collaborating and thinking along the line of what they want to do. And there will be this empowerment that is necessary for any child in life to develop. And this is exactly what the senator believes in,” he asserted.
He applauded the strong collaboration between the chairman, partners, and teachers, which made the educational initiatives possible. “If all 774 local governments in Nigeria implemented such programs, it would be nothing short of community development to build the nation,” he remarked.
Senator Abiru’s vision remains clear: empowering young minds with knowledge, critical thinking, and collaboration skills will ultimately lead to a brighter and more innovative future for Lagos and Nigeria as a whole.