These are unusual times. Or, did you say: these are desperate times, and desperate situations deserve desperate measures or solutions.
These aptly describe the call by a recently-minted Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, asking him to sell off some of the country’s correctional facilities to raise money to fund education.
According to Ajulo, who holds the National Award of the Officer of the Order of the Niger, OON, the Ikoyi Correctional Facility in Lagos alone could fetch the Federal Government at least N50 billion, not to talk of other such facilities located in various high brow areas of the country.
Well, as they say, the taste of the pudding is in the eating. Below is the full text of the letter:
Urgent Appeal to President Tinubu To Sell Correctional Centers for Education Funding.
Dear Mr President,
I write on the need to sell some of the Correctional Centers in prime areas to raise funds for education in Nigeria.
Firstly, I emphasize the pressing need for additional funding to support the development of education in our nation. Nigeria’s education sector has been facing numerous challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, limited resources, and unequal access to quality education. These obstacles have hindered the growth and potential of our youth, preventing them from achieving their full capabilities.
To address this funding gap, I propose considering the sale of underutilized assets, particularly the Correctional Centers located in prime areas like the Ikoyi Prison and others in high value locations in Nigeria.
The market value of the Ikoyi Prison alone is estimated to be around 50 billion Naira and about half a trillion Naira could be realised from the sale of such centers that dotted the high premium areas in Nigeria.
By divesting such properties, we can generate a substantial influx of funds that can be allocated to improving educational infrastructure, enhancing the quality of teaching, and providing scholarships to deserving students across the country.
I understand that the decision to sell Correctional Centers requires careful consideration, taking into account legal implications, security concerns, and the need to maintain a balanced criminal justice system.
However, I believe that with proper evaluation and planning, we can strike a balance between addressing the funding needs of education and ensuring a well-functioning correctional system.
Secondly, I would like to take this opportunity to commend the Minister of Interior, Hon Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his laudable policy implementation and unwavering passion for his role. His dedication and commitment to improving the conditions and welfare of inmates in our correctional centers deserve recognition and celebration. His efforts have demonstrated a genuine concern for the well-being and rehabilitation of individuals within the correctional system, aligning with the principles of justice, fairness, and humanity.
I believe that acknowledging and celebrating the Minister’s achievements will not only boost his morale but also inspire other public officials to deliver their duties with similar dedication and patriotism.
In conclusion, I kindly request that you consider the proposal to sell select Correctional Centers for education funding.
Thank you for your attention to these matters.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Olukayode Ajulo, OON, SAN