University Don Warns Parents Against Sending Wards Abroad for First Degrees
The Vice-Chancellor of Elizade University, Prof. Philip Oguntunde, has issued a strong caution to Nigerian parents regarding the practice of sending their children and wards overseas for undergraduate studies. He emphasized that such decisions can lead to severe and unintended consequences, particularly the erosion of family bonds and cultural values, which may ultimately prove counterproductive to the well-being of both the children and their families.
Rooted in Professional and Personal Experience
Oguntunde shared his insights during a town-and-gown engagement with secondary school administrators at the university's Ilara-Mokin campus. He stated that his counsel is deeply rooted in both professional observation and personal conviction. The don revealed that he deliberately rejected two foreign education offers for his own children, insisting that they complete their first degrees in Nigeria. He maintains that this decision has yielded no regrets, highlighting the positive outcomes of keeping his children within the Nigerian educational system during their formative years.
Risks of Early Overseas Education
According to Oguntunde, many parents who hurriedly send their children abroad at a young age are now filled with deep regret. He warned that behind the apparent appeal of foreign education lies a growing issue of value loss, weakened family ties, and emotional disconnect between parents and their children. The don stressed that these factors can have long-lasting negative impacts on family dynamics and the children's development, potentially leading to a sense of alienation and loss of cultural identity.
Recommendation for Nigerian First Degrees
Oguntunde advised parents to allow their children and wards to acquire their first degree in Nigeria, suggesting that sending them abroad too early might unwittingly donate them to negative influences. He proposed that after completing their first degree, when they have attained a greater level of maturity, parents can then release them to go abroad for further studies. This approach, he argued, ensures that children are better equipped to handle the challenges of international education while maintaining strong connections to their roots.
Addressing Brain Drain and Quality of Education
In addition to family concerns, Oguntunde highlighted the larger issue of brain drain, which he said continues to drain Nigeria's intellectual capital. He insisted that the nation's universities are well-equipped to provide quality foundational education, capable of competing with international standards. By encouraging students to pursue their undergraduate studies locally, he believes Nigeria can retain more of its talented youth, fostering national development and reducing the exodus of skilled professionals.
The don's remarks underscore a broader debate on the balance between global exposure and local grounding in education, urging a reconsideration of priorities for Nigerian families seeking the best for their children's futures.
