By Angela Atabo, Abuja
Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) says collaboration among government, private and religious sectors is key to educational advancement.
Ndukuba stated this at the Diocese of Abuja, Anglican International Academy (AIA), Zhidu, Abuja’s maiden graduation ceremony on Sunday.
The clergy emphasised the need for the government to collaborate with private and religious institutions to move education forward in the country.
He said the collaboration would lead to a more holistic and accessible education system and address both academic and moral development need.
Represented by Venerable Ernest Onuoha,the Supervising Priest and the Vicar of All Saints Church, Wuse, Ndukuba said the collaboration would be a game changer in the education sector.
According to him, the Church has historical involvement in education and its existing infrastructure, potential would promote values-based learning.
“In the national policy of education 2004, it was captured that no nation can rise above the level of education it has.
“The AIA is the contribution from the church to that policy by providing a type of education with morals that will enable the students to fit adequately into the wider society,” he said.
The clergy called upon the newly graduated students to become “beacons of hope” and serve Nigeria.
“They are going into the world to serve and become beacons of hope and light.
“They will also be the epistles of the Church written in the hearts of men and to learned by all.”
Ndukuba urged the students to always identify with their alma mater and then come and make their own contributions in the future.
He called on the government to help in fixing the road from Idu to Zhidu where the school is situated.
Also speaking, the Principal of the School,Venerable Nelson Akinwande, said AIA has nurtured the students in character, in learning, in faith and with quality hands.
Akinwande said that the school created platforms where it was able to curb issues of immorality among students.
“Integrity and character has been the bedrock of what AIA is known for and we thank God for that.
“Upbringing of children is very important because the children of today are the leaders of tomorrow.
“They are those that will become presidents, governors, senators and those that will lead a different sphere of the society.
“So it is important to give quality education to our children so that tomorrow we will be proud to have good leaders in the society,” he said.
Akinwande advised the students to always remember the values that have been deposited in them.
The graduating Head girl of the school, Denileah Den-Walter, commended the school and the teachers for impacting knowledge and grooming them for the next level. (NAN)
