The National Assembly has stressed that no nation can legislate prosperity without first educating its citizens, underscoring the central role of human capital development in national growth.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Abubakar Bichi, made this known during the maiden lecture series of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State.
Represented by the lawmaker for Idemili North and South Federal Constituency, Uche Okonkwo, Bichi noted that while the National Assembly can make budgetary allocations, it is education that multiplies value and empowers citizens to drive economic progress.
He emphasized that nations that have risen to global prominence did so through deliberate investment in human capital, not by chance.
According to him, in an era shaped by knowledge economies, technological disruption, and global competition, mentorship serves as a bridge between generations, while philanthropy promotes equity and opportunity.
He added that although the process of education may be demanding, its long-term rewards are invaluable, requiring discipline, sacrifice, and vision to build individuals capable of building nations.
Delivering the keynote lecture titled “Human Capital Development in the 21st Century: Mentorship and Philanthropy as Critical Catalysts for National Development,” former Vice-Chancellor of the university and pioneer Dean of the faculty, Professor Charles Esimone, called for renewed focus on capacity building, mentorship, and empowerment.
He highlighted that education and healthcare remain critical sectors that must be repositioned to harness Nigeria’s vast but under-skilled population into productive capacity.
Mentorship critical
Esimone stressed that mentorship is not merely a tool for personal success but a strategic driver of national development when institutionalized.
According to him, effective mentorship systems can strengthen professional competence, boost research and innovation, and cultivate leaders across public and private sectors.
Also speaking, the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Professor Sunday Nduka, described the lecture series as a strategic platform for intellectual engagement on national and global issues.
He called on the Federal Government to sustain investment in education, describing it as a key driver of economic development.
In a goodwill message, Anambra State Governor Professor Chukwuma Soludo, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr. Ifeoma Arinze, reiterated that no nation can rise above the quality of its human capital.
He noted that education, skills acquisition, innovation, and ethical leadership remain essential for sustainable progress, while mentorship continues to play a vital role in shaping future generations.
The Chief Host and Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Ugochukwu Anyaehie while commending the leadership of the faculty also extolled the magnanimity of the founding fathers as he presented the award of recognition to them
Notable contributors to the development of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, including Managing Director of JUHEL Pharmaceutical, Dr. Ifeanyi Okoye, Professor Ilochi Okafor (SAN), Professor Poly Emenike of NEROS Pharmaceutical, Professor Charles Esimone, and Abubakar Bichi, among others were recognized on the occasion.
