Politics

Awolowo’s education legacy shaped Nigeria, says Fayemi

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on March 6th, 2026.

Awolowo’s education legacy shaped Nigeria, says Fayemi

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, has stated that the educational policies and vision of the late nationalist leader, Obafemi Awolowo, played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s development and continue to influence the country’s education system decades after they were introduced.

Fayemi made this remark while reflecting on Awolowo’s enduring contributions to nation-building, particularly in the area of education. According to him, Awolowo’s commitment to accessible and quality education laid the foundation for social mobility and economic advancement in many parts of Nigeria.

Awolowo, who served as the Premier of the Western Region in the First Republic, introduced a groundbreaking free primary education programme in 1955. The initiative significantly expanded access to schooling and helped produce a generation of educated Nigerians who later contributed to the country’s public service, academia, and private sector.

Fayemi noted that the policy demonstrated Awolowo’s belief that education was the most powerful tool for societal transformation. He said the programme not only improved literacy levels in the Western Region but also created a model that other regions and future governments would attempt to emulate.

The former governor explained that Awolowo’s foresight went beyond simply increasing school enrollment. He stressed that the late leader also invested in teacher training, educational infrastructure, and curriculum development, ensuring that the policy delivered meaningful and lasting impact.

According to Fayemi, the legacy of that initiative is still evident today, particularly in the southwestern part of Nigeria where the emphasis on education remains deeply rooted in the region’s culture and public policy priorities.

He further described Awolowo as a visionary leader whose policies were driven by long-term national interest rather than short-term political gains. Fayemi argued that Nigeria could benefit from revisiting some of the principles that guided Awolowo’s leadership, especially the prioritisation of education as a catalyst for development.

The former minister added that strengthening the country’s education sector remains essential for addressing unemployment, inequality, and poverty. He urged policymakers to adopt forward-looking reforms that reflect the same level of commitment demonstrated by Awolowo.

Fayemi concluded that Awolowo’s legacy continues to inspire generations of leaders and citizens, stressing that his belief in education as the cornerstone of national progress remains relevant in today’s Nigeria.