By Abdulrasheed Akogun

The Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) has decried the Institutionalisation of foreign cultures and traditions in private Primary and Secondary Schools in Nigeria.

Fagbemi made this observation while delivering the Convocation lecture as part of activities marking the 39th convocation ceremonies of the University of Ilorin, earlier today.

The Ijagbo, Kwara born legal luminary described as unfortunate and a time bomb, the situation where privately owned primary and secondary schools, especially in Lagos State, Rivers State and Abuja prioritises teaching of foreign cultures and traditions in Nigeria.

He said “In secondary School and Primary School in Nigeria, it’s appalling that most of these schools teach pupils mostly Nigerians foreign cultures, norms and traditions, at the elementary stages where social awareness about their Country (Nigeria) is supposed to be the priority.

“This is a time bomb against the Nigerian culture, tradition and norms, this mustn’t be allowed to continue else we’ll lose our culture and tradition in the foreseeable future.

“Something needs to be done to institutionally discourage the growing and widely spreading trend” he added.

Meanwhile the council Chairman of the University of Ilorin, Surv. Abiodun Aluko has clamoured for the Institutionalisation of leadership by example, which according to him is the “most effective form of educating the leaders of tomorrow”.

Aluko, who’s a former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, said “In Nigeria of today, no matter how much we belabour ourselves in adjusting the curriculum, we’ll not achieve the desired results of an improved society, if we fail to improve on the informal education.

“How possible is it for leaders of today to teach the youth about integrity, hard work, education etc, when the leaders who they see around lack all these, yet they’re celebrated in the society.

“The youths need not be told, they’ll observe and act what the societal leaders symbolises and that’s the reason the Country is the way it is today.

“If the leaders refuse to change, if they refuse to symbolise integrity, hard work and respect for rule of law, then there’s next to nothing we can do, in resetting the Country” he added.