The Governor of the State of Osun, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, has prescribed education and religion as critical forces to ensuring moral and ethical rebirth in Nigeria.
He added that his administration, having discovered the potency education as a transformational tool, has invested in qualitative, functional and affordable education at all levels across the State.
Oyetola, who spoke during the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Minaret International University, Ikirun, by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’t, on Tuesday, said his administration’s dedication of 18 percent of the 2021 budget to education was part of the deliberate investment in the sector.
He said: “Education and religion are timeless and potent instruments for the development and transformation of the society. The expediency of these two tools is even more compelling today that the society requires moral and ethical rebirth.
“It is therefore heartening that Minaret International University is combining religion and education to build the character of our youths, and help them to acquire knowledge to build the future that we desire.
“Our administration considers education and good moral standing as essential tools for building leaders of tomorrow and ensuring sustainable development.
“Consequently, we have been providing qualitative, functional and affordable education for our children at all levels. As proof of our commitment, we have been funding education as appropriate at all levels.
“For instance, in this year’s budget, the education sector got a substantial share as about Eleven Billion Naira, representing 18 percent was allocated to the sector. Interestingly, 15 to 20 percent is the international benchmark.
“In line with the belief of the State that government cannot solely provide the education the State needs, successive governments ha e encouraged willing individuals and groups to establish schools at all levels.
“Consequently, Osun is home to top-notch tertiary institutions that are making their contributions to the development of the state and the nation.
“The establishment of Minaret International University is a welcome addition to this family. As a notable, knowledge-seeking and religion-savvy institution known for its tradition of excellence, I have no doubt that Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’t will build a university that is a centre of excellence in deed and in truth”, Oyetola stated.