Professor Maurice Azubike Odiete, President, Professional Education Management International (NIPEM) has called on the Federal Government to act swiftly in tackling the increased rate of insecurity and cyber-crimes in Nigeria.Speaking at the 7th Convocation and Matriculation of HIGHSTONE Global University (HGU) Texas USA and NIPEM Professional Education Management International held in Lagos, Odiete said insecurity and cyber-crime have hampered the country’s development.He said, “Kidnapping, banditry and terrorist attack, have really hindered the economic development and progress of Nigeria, being the giant of Africa. “Many investors have left the country because of these problems; there is need for the government to tackle all these problems so there will be peace and progress in the nation.’’On the other hand, Odiete criticised the Federal Government order to dismiss government and private workers who obtained degrees from universities in Benin Republic and Togo.He said such policy and the implementation would endanger the lives of those who would be affected. “The government should have put in to consideration the aftermath of such policy and its implementation. You will find out that 80 percent of the workers here are the youths and if they are sacked where will they go? They may join armed robbery, kidnapping or cyber–crime activities, thereby causing more problems in the society,’’ Odiete added.However, he appealed to government to refrain from implementing such policy, adding, “ the government can partner with agencies in the ministry of education to monitor the activities of such universities, by so doing certificates obtained in those institutions will be of higher standard’’.Speaking on NIPEM, Odiete explained that the institution which was established some years back is partnering with foreign universities such as HIGHSTONE Global University Texas, USA to improve the general literacy, career development and professionalism of many Nigerians and the economy sector.In his words, ” NIPEM operates on a well–organised integrative curriculum that matches international standard for effective learning and teaching delivery, students can study online, weekend , part time or full time . Our priority is to ensure that students learn at their own pace and convenience.’’He said their primary objective is to provide mass education and employment to Nigerians and Africans to raise competent professionals and effective leaders and entrepreneurs that will help transform the global economy.His words, “Our partnership with industry- leading organisations and institutions ensure that our programmes are aligned with the latest industry trends and standards.’’
Advertisement Some of the management staff of HIGHSTONE University and NIPEM Professional Education Management at the event, recently, in Lagos. On his part, Innime Righteous, Vice–Chancellor, HIGHSTONE Global University, Texas USA, who spoke on “Living for the future’’, described success as fickle subject adding , ‘’time has proven that success is a fickle subject. While the most hard-working students may end up a very poorly paid government employee, take for instance, a lackadaisical classmate may unlock hidden talents years later and become a global sensation.“Of a truth, it is impossible to teach anyone how to succeed, especially in a world fraught with constant change. The variables are just too many.‘’One innovation in science and tech such as the recent rise AI, can literally throw a person out of his job, wrack his entire career and scuttle years of diligence and hard work and diligence alone cannot be the key therefore.“But this notwithstanding, whenever l am asked how to succeed, l resort to a piece of advice l was given by my friend and mentor many years ago one l have adhered to and seen work, l tell people to live for the future.’’Speaking also at the event, that came under theme, “Insecurity and cybercrimes: implications for national development,” the Vice Chancellor of HIGHSTONE Global University Texas USA, Valentine Iheukwumere, revealed that the joint event between his institution and NIPEM aimed to contribute towards development of the educational sector in the country.Driving his points home, Iheukwumere who is also a professor said: “GHU collaborates with affiliates colleges and universities via our software platform and brings together future leaders to develop solutions to challenging issues. We help students cultivate impactful learning which is all–inclusive and all accessible.’’On her part, Rita Akpan, Director, Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB), commended NIPEM and HIGHSTONE Global University Texas USA for encouraging youths to go to school.Speaking on the Federal Government’s decision of choosing eighteen years as the entry qualification in to tertiary institutions she said: “It is a good thing for the federal government to take that decision because as an educationist l discovered that so many problems that we are having in higher institutions now are students that are under eighteen years of age, these children cannot take care of themselves and they can easily be lured into all sorts of vices.“Parents should be calm, because if they are in haste for their child to go to school, they may end up losing such child.’’Similarly, Festus Ibiam Uko, a management consultant, who also spoke during the ceremony, emphasised the need for the young ones to go to school.According to Uko who is also a PhD holder, an educated youth with a good job will not want to be involved in robbery or cyber- crime.The highpoint of the event was award of degrees which include Masters, PhD and honorary Doctorate degree.
