By Christian Aburime
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has called for a comprehensive rethinking of Nigeria’s education system, emphasizing that genuine national development is impossible without deep and deliberate educational reforms. The Governor made this call on Friday during the commissioning of newly renovated classroom blocks and other facilities at St. Jude’s Secondary School, Ihiala, where he underscored the need for collective responsibility in building a resilient education system.
Speaking before an audience of students, teachers, traditional rulers, community leaders, and representatives of Keystone Bank—the financial institution that partnered in the renovation—Governor Soludo stated that the Nigerian education system must evolve beyond outdated models to one that responds to the needs of the 21st century.
“Education remains the foundation upon which every great society is built,” Soludo declared. “We must envision an educational reform that is comprehensive, inclusive, and adaptable to the rapidly changing global landscape. The partnership between government, the private sector, and the community is essential in achieving this vision.”
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the Public-Private-Community Partnership (PPCP) model, a policy framework designed to strengthen development by mobilizing collaboration among the government, private investors, and local communities. He explained that the PPCP approach has been instrumental in transforming public education in Anambra State and in bridging the gap between public and private schools.
Human Capital as the Cornerstone of Development
Governor Soludo applauded Keystone Bank for its active role in the renovation of St. Jude’s Secondary School, describing the partnership as a demonstration of corporate social responsibility anchored on genuine patriotism.
“Human capital is the best investment any nation can make,” he said. “When you invest in education, you invest in the future. Education is the most powerful tool to break the chains of poverty and inequality.”
He recalled that upon assuming office in 2022, his administration was confronted with the decaying state of public schools, inadequate infrastructure, and the urgent need to reform the system from the ground up. Since then, the state government has embarked on aggressive interventions, including the recruitment of thousands of qualified teachers, construction of modern classrooms, and provision of digital learning tools.
“The quality of a society’s education is reflected in its public schools,” Soludo stressed. “If our public schools work, Nigeria works. That is why we are working to make Anambra’s public schools the pride of every community.”
The Governor urged other corporate institutions and public-spirited individuals to emulate Keystone Bank’s gesture by prioritizing investments in education and healthcare, which he described as the twin pillars of sustainable human development.
“Our vision for Anambra is one of shared prosperity, where every child, regardless of background, has access to quality education,” he added. “We invite others to join hands with us in building a state where every school becomes a center of excellence.”
Commissioner Lauds Governor’s Commitment
In her remarks, Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, the Commissioner for Education, praised Governor Soludo’s leadership and his transformative impact on education in Anambra State.
“Governor Soludo has created a model that is both sustainable and inclusive,” she said. “Under his administration, Anambra now has one of the lowest numbers of out-of-school children in Nigeria. This achievement is not accidental—it is the product of vision, commitment, and strategic investment.”
Chuma-Udeh commended Keystone Bank for keying into the Governor’s Public-Private-Community Partnership agenda and noted that the renovated facilities at St. Jude’s would significantly enhance teaching and learning outcomes.
“This project fully aligns with the Governor’s PPCP initiative. We are grateful to Keystone Bank for their contribution and for believing in the future of our children,” she added.
Corporate Partners Pledge Continued Support
Lady Ada Chukwudozie, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Keystone Bank, expressed deep admiration for Governor Soludo’s leadership and visionary commitment to education.
“This project is a seed of hope,” she remarked. “It was inspired by the Governor’s vision to make education a cornerstone of development in Anambra State. Keystone Bank is proud to partner with such an administration that places education at the heart of its development agenda.”
Echoing her sentiments, Mr. Hassan Imam, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Keystone Bank, explained that the renovation was executed under the Keystone Bank Education Support Initiative, which aims to complement government efforts in upgrading public educational infrastructure across Nigeria.
He said the choice of St. Jude’s Secondary School was symbolic, given the Governor’s broader reforms across the education sector.
“Selecting one school for intervention was challenging because of the Governor’s far-reaching impact across the state,” Imam said. “We settled on St. Jude’s to represent what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work together in the interest of society.”
The project, he revealed, includes upgrades to the administration block, school hall, ten classrooms, and other essential facilities designed to provide a conducive environment for learning.
“Public-Private-Community Partnerships serve the public good,” Imam noted. “We encourage students, teachers, and the community to take ownership of these facilities and ensure they are maintained for generations to come.”
Community Support and Endorsement
The event also witnessed an overwhelming show of support from the Ihiala community, who expressed their appreciation to the Governor for his transformative work across the state. In a symbolic gesture of solidarity, community leaders presented a cheque of ₦50 million to Governor Soludo as a contribution toward his second-term campaign, describing it as a demonstration of confidence in his leadership.
Representatives of the host community, including traditional rulers, parents, and alumni, commended the Governor for prioritizing rural education and bridging the urban-rural divide in access to quality learning facilities.
“Under Governor Soludo, Ihiala has witnessed unprecedented development,” one community leader remarked. “From road infrastructure to education and healthcare, his administration has shown that governance can be both people-centered and effective.”
A Vision for the Future
Governor Soludo concluded his address with a passionate appeal for a national consensus on education reform, warning that Nigeria cannot achieve sustainable progress without an education system that empowers the youth for the challenges of the digital and knowledge-driven world.
“Our future depends on what we teach our children today,” he said. “We must rethink education from the foundation to the tertiary level. It must be about skills, innovation, character, and creativity.”
He added that Anambra’s model could serve as a blueprint for other states, showcasing how innovation, community collaboration, and visionary leadership can transform education in Nigeria.
As the students of St. Jude’s Secondary School joyfully sang songs of gratitude and hope, the event symbolized more than the commissioning of buildings—it marked a renewal of faith in education as the key to national transformation.
“This is not just a school renovation,” Soludo concluded. “It is a statement of belief—that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and become a productive citizen. Together, we can build the Nigeria of our dreams, one school at a time.”
