Bishop Ezeofor Warns Against Politicization of Education Institutions

By Praise Chinedum

Anglican Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr Samuel Ezeofor has expressed worry over prevalent politicization of headship of various educational institutions in the country.

The bishop stated this on Friday during his presidential address at the second session of the seventh synod of the diocese held at Holy Trinity church, Ufuma, themed, “God’s Great Task for the Church 2: The Great Commission.”

Ezeofor who was reacting to what he described as malady that took place in Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Federal Polytechnic Oko, regretted that such ugly trend was capable of destroying education system.

He urged Nigerians to rise to the challenge, insisting that professionalism, qualifications, policies and rules should count in such places and not political and monetary maneuverings.

He said, “Truth must be told. One major thing to do to destroy a people is to destroy their education system.

“The headship of our Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of Education, Technical Colleges, etc being political in appointments is one of the most dangerous things that seek to destroy our educational system.

“We think Nigerians should rise up against the malady. What this means is that anyone can be foisted on any of our institutions whether he/she is qualified or not.”

Appreciating Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa as well as UNIZIK staff for their interventions by insisting on justice, Ezeofor called on the Minister to set up panel of inquiry with men of integrity to investigate how the process was compromised.

The Prelate further commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for what he described as “abnormal” in drop in petrol price from N1,300 to N950, just as he praised him for the student loan targeted at cushioning effects of hardship and high cost of education.

He also praised federal government for honoring former Chairman, National Electoral Commission (NEC), late Prof Humphrey Nwosu, calling for more tangible recognitions for him.

“Prof Humphrey Nwosu stands out in the history of Nigerian elections as the man who conducted the most credible and free election in Nigeria at the risk of his own life.

“May God give us more of such men of honor and not present day professors who would rig elections for school dropout, never-do-well and drug barons only to turn back and stage strike actions against those they worked so hard to into power,” he added.

Speaking on Anambra state, Ezeofor praised Governor Chukwuma Soludo for “driving the state well”, citing his achievements in infrastructural development, security, war against idol worship, wealth without work, among others.

“Throughout the 21 local government areas of the state, different and various projects are ongoing. These are projects that will surely make the lives of our people better.

The Bishop however urged the Governor to sustain the tempo, especially in the area of security, praying God to help him “with His light that’s already shining into the dark places of the state, exposing and dispelling darkness.”