Given the unprecedented level of challenges in the global and Nigerian economy, as well the compelling need for Nigeria to be more globally competitive, quality education remains the key success factor in Nigeria’s quest for greatness. According to Prince Bimbo Olashore, the Chairman Board of Trustees of Olashore School, “the alarming fall of oil prices matched against the alarming slide of the Naira has revealed the fundamental weakness and underbelly of the Nigerian socio-economic structure. This can only be corrected long term by a workforce that have a strong and well – rounded educational grounding.”
Speaking at a strategic education round table in Lagos, Prince Olashore, pinpointed education as the difference maker in the new order we are confronted with. “Education is not only vital for economic growth, but crucial to development broadly understood. Education in this age is more important than ever, because in a globalized economy a better educated citizenry can better confront the challenges and opportunities created by greater economic integration. Investment in education is not only pro-growth, it also offers developing countries a route out of poverty and educational inequality”.
He also added “While there is a paramount need to manage Nigeria’s oil resources more efficiently and create more wealth opportunities, there is an even greater need to invest more in education, especially because it is less obvious or less glamorous. Countries that are paying priority to education, have been able to create a steady steam of human capital that are managing all other aspects of the economy and indeed society”.
“It is only through a sound educational system that sound leaders as well as a productive workforce can be developed over the course of time. We are now operating in a new knowledge economy where the factory is moving away from physical buildings and large infrastructure. The brain is the location of the new age factory. ”
He noted that “the guiding principle of education in Nigeria is the equipping of every citizen with such knowledge, skills, attitudes and values as to enable him/her to derive maximum benefits from his/her membership in society, lead a fulfilling life and contribute to the development and welfare of the community.
In a follow up presentation the Principal of Olashore school and an international educational expert, Mr DK Smith explained that Olashore International School is at the fore front of raising leaders and nurturing children to their full potentials while equipping students with such knowledge, skills, attitudes and values. Olashore International School believes in learning beyond classroom, so that students can fit into any society at any given time. Last year, they emerged one of the Top Ten schools in Nigeria, and one of the best international schools in Africa. This year, the school won the British Council’s International School award. However, Prince Olashore attributed this to the focus of the school and their determination to offer the very best to students. He reiterated that the awards they have received so far, gives credibility and validation to the efforts of the staff and students in taking the school to its career peak.
“We believe in academic excellence. It is the bedrock of what the school stands for. We also have a unique and seamless blend of education and technology and we recently introduced the use of iPads by both teachers and students in the classroom. By the time we add other activities such as music, drama, discipline, leadership and the likes, we will have taken secondary school education in Nigeria to levels never reached before.
Established in 1994, on 60 acres of land, Olashore International School (OIS) is a private co-educational school committed to academic excellence, and nurturing children to their full potential in a safe and serene environment, developing leaders for the dynamic global society in the 21st century. Olashore International Secondary School, is the “pride of Africa in secondary School education in Nigeria”, and is driven on 3 core pillars of discipline, strong values and leadership. The School appeals to discerning Nigerians at home and abroad, as well as expatriates residing in Nigeria, who desire a school with a strong value system, proven track record and a clear sense of purpose.
