Celebrated Nigerian playwright and scholar, Professor Osonye Tess Onwueme, has used the occasion of her 70th birthday to issue a compelling call for significantly increased investment in the nation's education system. The renowned academic stressed that knowledge is the most vital foundation for achieving sustainable development in Nigeria.
A Foundation for National Progress
Speaking to journalists at her birthday celebration in Abuja, Professor Onwueme argued that meaningful advancement in critical areas like the economy, social unity, and democratic governance cannot happen without a properly funded and well-managed education system. She pointed out that years of neglecting this sector have led to widening inequality, poorer learning results, and a loss of Nigeria's competitive edge on the global stage.
The professor clarified that this needed investment must go beyond simply increasing budget allocations. She emphasized the importance of deliberate policies aimed at upgrading infrastructure, enhancing teacher training, boosting research capabilities, and ensuring access to quality education for everyone, from primary to tertiary levels. Onwueme framed this push as a direct investment in Nigeria's future, asserting that the long-term benefits for the nation far surpass any immediate financial costs.
Return to Values and Parental Responsibility
During her reflections, the septuagenarian scholar advocated for a return to fundamental values and a thorough re-evaluation of the educational system to ensure it produces responsible citizens. She also directed criticism towards parents, accusing them of failing in their duty by not instilling sound moral principles in their children and instead promoting materialistic ambitions.
Recalling her own formative years, Onwueme shared how her late mother consistently advised her to take her studies seriously and to embrace a strong work ethic. She explained that this early guidance fundamentally shaped her attitude towards education, embedding in her a deep sense of responsibility and purpose. Looking back on her illustrious career, she acknowledged that those childhood lessons laid the essential groundwork for her later achievements and personal values.
A Legacy of Advocacy Through Art
Professor Onwueme, who holds the title of Professor of Global Letters and served as a Distinguished Professor of Cultural Diversity and English at the University of Wisconsin in the United States, first rose to prominence through her powerful plays. Her body of work is renowned for exploring pressing themes such as social justice, cultural identity, and environmental concerns, often mirroring the advocacy she now voices for educational reform.
