Professor of English at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof Hope Eghagha has accused some parents of aiding examination malpractices by assisting their wards to cheat.
Eghagha lamented that such parents, through their actions are unknowingly sowing a bad seed in the life of their wards
Prof Eghagha, who disclosed this while addressing dignitaries at the 18th Bishop Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture held at the Shell Hall, Muson Centre, in commemoration of the cleric’s birthday said the level of desperation among students has become so high.
The erudite scholar was the chief examiner at the recently held annual essay competition in honour of the cleric.
While expressing concern over the activities of ‘magic centres’ which he said are doing much damage to the children, Prof Eghagha said parents and teachers both have a responsibility to teach children about their environment.
He disclosed that of the 796 entries received for the essay competition, 27 were rejected for being plagiarised after cross checking with internet sources.
“After the first round of assessment in which we judged mechanical accuracy, use of language, originality of though and thematic focus, 10 participants were selected and eventually invited for the second stage, which was mainly a confirmatory procedure. At the end, Miss Alexandra Nwigwe of Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls emerged the winner while Jesuduntan Mercy Ipinmoye of Corona Secondary School came second and Akingbade Gbenga of Emerald High School came third.”
In her lecture titled, “Made in Nigeria products: The vehicle for sustainable development,” former Minister of Industry and President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Chief Onikepo Akande said the federal government must encourage its citizens to patronise made-in –Nigeria goods.
Chief Akande said although the President Mohammadu Buhari administration has been making efforts to drive the campaign, it must continue to prioritise it in view of the prevailing economic conditions.
The LCCI president noted that with more patronage of made –in-Nigeria products, manufacturers would be encouraged to improve the quality of their products.
Akande said, “For our country to become an exporting nation, it has to patronise locally made goods to boost local production and the nation’s economy. Nigeria can only move from an import to export-based economy if more Nigerians form the habit of buying made-in-Nigeria goods and services.
The guest lecturer also tasked the National Assembly to come up with a local patronage bill that would ensure that made-in –Nigeria goods and local producers are protected.
According to her, “There is no country that has managed to transform itself without sustained industrial growth or complete dependence on home-made goods. Certainly made-in-Nigeria goods will boost the nation’s manufacturing sector and by extension create more jobs. Thus, there is a need for holistic overhaul of our importation policy to discourage items that can be locally manufactured.
On his part, Chief Eric Umeofia who is the Chairman, Erisco Foods Limited tasked the government to give priority attention to local manufacturers.
Umeofia lamented that lack of adequate policy against exporting countries like china to checkmate their activities can kill local industries.
He listed other challenges facing local manufacturers to include multiple taxation, cost of production, lack of infrastructure and lack of policy to encourage the growth of indigenous manufacturers.
(Guardian)
