No Nation Prospers Without Education — Reps Warn
The National Assembly has reiterated that no nation can legislate prosperity without first educating its citizens.
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, Mr. Abubakar Bichi, made this assertion during the maiden lecture series of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State.
He argued that while the National Assembly can enact laws and approve budgetary allocations, it is education that multiplies value, drives productivity, and empowers citizens to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Hon. Bichi, represented at the event by the member representing Idemili North and South Federal Constituency, Mr. Uche Okonkwo, noted that nations that have attained global prominence did so through deliberate, sustained investment in human capital not by chance.
The lawmaker further stressed that in an era defined by a knowledge-based economy, rapid technological disruption, and intense global competition, mentorship serves as a critical bridge between generations.
He added that philanthropy remains an essential instrument for advancing equity, inclusion, and access to opportunity.
He stated:“Nations that have risen to global prominence did so not by accident, but through intentional investment in human capital. In the same vein, the enduring wisdom that ‘the roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet’ underscores the discipline, sacrifice, and long-term vision required to build individuals who, in turn, build nations.”
Delivering the keynote lecture, a former Vice-Chancellor of the university and pioneer Dean of the faculty, Professor Charles Esimone, spoke on the theme, “Human Capital Development in the 21st Century: Mentorship and Philanthropy as Critical Catalysts for National Development.”
Professor Esimone argued that Nigeria must move beyond rhetoric and prioritise capacity building, human capital development, and structured mentorship systems if it is to achieve meaningful and sustainable national progress.
He maintained that the health and education sectors remain foundational and must be strategically repositioned to harness the country’s large but under-skilled population. According to him, this would enable Nigeria to transition from a raw-material-dependent economy to one driven by value addition and globally competitive industries.
He further stated:“For Nigeria’s development discourse, the most policy-relevant interpretation is not that mentorship produces perfection. Rather, mentorship increases the likelihood that investments in education and training translate into capability, productivity, and leadership—particularly in fields requiring tacit knowledge transfer, such as research methods, clinical judgment, scientific writing, grant development, entrepreneurship, and ethical decision-making.
Mentorship becomes a true catalyst for national development when it is scaled beyond one-on-one relationships into institutionalised pipelines that consistently produce competent professionals, strengthen research and innovation ecosystems, and develop leaders across both the public and private sectors.”
In his remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Professor Sunday Nduka, described the lecture series as a strategic platform for rigorous intellectual engagement on pressing national and global issues in pharmaceuticals and related disciplines.
He commended the founding fathers of the faculty for their contributions to national development and called on the Federal Government to significantly increase and sustain investment in education.
He described education as a critical driver of economic growth, social mobility, and national competitiveness.
“It is my belief that this lecture series will evolve into an enduring annual tradition. We strongly believe in the transformative power of ideas—not only within academia but across society. It is also fitting to honour, in a special way, the men of timber and calibre whose vision, sacrifice, and philanthropy laid the foundation upon which we stand today,” he said.
In a separate remark, the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, observed that in a knowledge-driven global economy, no nation can rise above the quality of its human capital.
He emphasised that education, skills acquisition, innovation, and ethical leadership are indispensable pillars of sustainable development.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr. Ifeoma Arinze, the governor added that mentorship remains a powerful mechanism for transferring knowledge, shaping character, and unlocking potential across generations.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Ugochukwu Anyaehie, who served as Chief Host, commended the leadership of the faculty and extolled the vision and generosity of its founding fathers. He also presented awards of recognition in their honour.
The event featured the recognition of the founding fathers of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, including the Managing Director of JUHEL Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Ifeanyi Okoye; Professor Ilochi Okafor (SAN); Professor Poly Emenike of NEROS Pharmaceuticals; Professor Charles Esimone; and Rt. Hon. Abubakar Bichi, among others.
