04/01/2026
EDUCATION KEY TO A BETTER TOMORROW — NONUM TELLS ALIONYE UNIZIK ALUMNI
By Dominion Steve Buzugbe
De-Crown media Report
The importance of functional and effective education as a catalyst for personal, economic, and societal development took center stage at the End-of-Year Get-Together of the Abavo Alionye UNIZIK Alumni Association, held at Udomi in Abavo, as Engr. Dr. Ernest Oyemndu Nonum delivered a thought-provoking lecture titled “Building a Strong Foundation for a Better Tomorrow by Acquiring a Functional and Effective Education.”
In his lecture, Engr. Dr. Nonum described education as the cornerstone of societal progress and individual empowerment, stressing that sustainable development can only be achieved when learning systems go beyond theory to address real-life challenges. He noted that investing in education today is a deliberate step toward securing a prosperous, equitable, and stable future.
According to him, a functional education must be practical, relevant, and adaptable, equipping learners with employable skills, entrepreneurial capacity, and problem-solving abilities suited to an ever-changing technological and social environment. He added that education becomes truly meaningful only when it prepares individuals to respond effectively to contemporary challenges.
He further explained that effective education is measured by outcomes, not intentions. Such a system, he said, is driven by quality curriculum design, competent and motivated teachers, inclusive learning environments, and continuous assessment mechanisms that enhance teaching and learning processes.
Highlighting the broader impact of education, Dr. Nonum emphasized its role in personal development, noting that education fosters critical thinking, ethical values, social responsibility, and lifelong learning. He stated that educated individuals are better equipped to make informed decisions and adapt to changing realities.
On the economic front, the guest lecturer said education remains a major driver of productivity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He explained that nations with strong education systems are better positioned to compete globally, as a skilled workforce stimulates growth and attracts investment.
Dr. Nonum also underscored the role of education in promoting social cohesion, stating that educated citizens are more likely to participate actively in governance, embrace cultural diversity, and contribute to peaceful coexistence. He added that access to quality education helps reduce inequality by providing opportunities for all segments of society.
He, however, identified several challenges confronting the realization of functional and effective education, including inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, teacher shortages, limited professional development, the digital divide, and inconsistent education policies across regions.
To address these challenges, he recommended increased investment in education infrastructure, robust teacher training programs, integration of technology into learning systems, inclusive and sustainable policy reforms, and active community participation in supporting schools and learners.
In his concluding remarks, Engr. Dr. Nonum reiterated that the future of humanity depends largely on how societies prioritize and sustain their education systems, urging stakeholders to see education as a strategic investment capable of driving personal fulfillment, economic prosperity, and social harmony.
The lecture and associated activities were well received by members and guests, who commended the organizers for a successful and impactful end-of-year gathering.
The event was lively and engaging, with Dr. Ikere Victor energizing the audience through his remarks on the microphone, adding vibrancy to the end-of-year session. The programme reached its climax with the formal dissolution of the interim executive committee of the association, followed immediately by the inauguration of the newly appointed executive, an exercise conducted by Engr. Barr. Innocent Okoh, who administered the oath of office to the new leadership, marking the beginning of a new administrative chapter for the Abavo Alionye UNIZIK Alumni Association.
