The Nigerian former president Olusegun Obasanjo has said any nation that fails to prioritise its education sector risks stagnation and underdevelopment.

He stated this on Friday while inaugurating newly renovated and fully equipped Chemistry and Biology laboratories at African Church Grammar School Senior, Apata Ganga, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The multi-million-naira facilities were donated by Dr Adefisayo Oduwole of the 1976 set of the school’s alumni as part of activities marking the institution’s 50th anniversary.

The former president stressed that learning is a lifelong process and urged well-meaning Nigerians to invest in education to improve the standard of learning in the country.

Obasanjo said, “What we are doing here today is unique and should be encouraged so that others can emulate it.

“I am a lover of education. Otherwise, what would I be doing at the age of 80 pursuing a PhD? There is no end to learning, and the more educated you are, the better you become.

“The day you stop learning, you start dying. Any investment in education is worthwhile.”

Obasanjo described the gesture by Oduwole as commendable, noting that improved educational facilities would enhance the quality of learning, especially in science and technology.

He added that the benefactor deserved recognition to encourage others to support the development of schools across the country.

“In a country like Nigeria, there are many areas of the education sector that need support. Enhancing laboratory facilities to improve science and technology education is a worthy contribution,” he said.

He also advised the school management to ensure proper maintenance and security of the refurbished facilities.

In his remarks, the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Segun Olayiwola, represented by the Zonal Director of Ibadan Zonal Educational Inspectorate 3, Mrs Latifat Jimoh, said individuals and organisations had continued to support public schools in the state through infrastructure and academic development.

He said such contributions complemented government efforts in improving the education sector.

“They have contributed to renovating school buildings, constructing libraries, providing essential facilities such as students’ restrooms, supplying computers and even supporting security services in schools. The present administration appreciates these contributions,” he said.