Education Beyond Certificates says Bishop Mike Okonkwo at 23rd Annual Lecture
Bishop Mike Okonkwo, founder of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), emphasized that education should go beyond obtaining certificates and include practical skills to improve one's life. Speaking at the 23rd Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture in Lagos, he criticized Nigerian policymakers for neglecting the education sector and urged students to acquire skills for personal development.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
Founder of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Bishop Mike Okonkwo, has emphasized that education should go beyond merely acquiring academic certificates. Speaking at the 23rd Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture, held at the MUSON Centre in Lagos, Okonkwo highlighted the need to balance theoretical knowledge with practical skills essential for personal development and societal impact.
Bishop Okonkwo voiced concerns about the current state of Nigeria's education sector, criticizing policymakers for their perceived neglect. According to him, there seems to be a deliberate attempt to frustrate the sector, hindering students from reaching their full potential. He urged Nigerian students to embrace practical skills alongside formal education to create a positive impact on their lives.
"Education is more than just having certificates. People should have tangible skills that can help sustain their lives positively," Okonkwo said, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning and personal responsibility.
During the lecture, Bishop Okonkwo also addressed the issue of moral decadence in society, encouraging the youth to take charge of their lives by making quality decisions and acting as agents of positive change.
The event featured the presentation of awards to winners of the Bishop Mike Okonkwo Annual Essay Competition. Miss Flourish Olaoye from Christ the King International School emerged as the overall winner, receiving a N500,000 cash prize, a trophy, a plaque, and a set of computers for her school. Other winners included:
- Miss Femi-Lawal Nora from Chrisland High School, who received a N250,000 cash prize, a plaque, and a computer for her school.
- Miss Olayinka Esther Durotimi from Corona Secondary School, who took home a N150,000 cash prize, a plaque, and a computer for her school.
Four other participants were awarded N50,000 as consolation prizes.
The annual lecture and essay competition, which attract students from across the country, aim to promote critical thinking and skill development among Nigerian youths.
