Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasised the importance of education, historical consciousness, and national unity in shaping Nigeria’s future, urging young Nigerians to draw lessons from the experiences and sacrifices of past national leaders.
The Vice President stated this during the public presentation of the autobiography of former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, titled My Life of Duty and Allegiance, monitored by Nigeria Education News.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Shettima described the autobiography as an important educational resource capable of helping younger generations understand Nigeria’s leadership history, moments of national crisis, and the lessons of reconciliation and patriotism.
According to him, societies that fail to preserve and study their history risk losing direction, stressing that autobiographies written by national leaders remain valuable archives for learning, reflection, and nation-building.
“On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I congratulate General Yakubu Gowon on the public presentation of his autobiography. I commend the book to the attention of our nation, to the curiosity of our young people, and to the judgment of history,” Shettima said.
He noted that the autobiography offers insight into one of the most difficult periods in Nigeria’s history and provides lessons on leadership, peacebuilding, and national service that students and young Nigerians can learn from.
The Vice President also highlighted the significance of integration-focused programmes such as the National Youth Service Corps, saying the scheme has continued to expose young Nigerians to diverse cultures and strengthen national understanding across regions.
Shettima further urged Nigerians, especially the youth, to embrace peaceful coexistence and unity, stressing that education should not be limited to classroom learning alone but must also promote values of tolerance, dialogue, and shared nationhood.
“I urge you, I beseech you, let us unite as a people. Let us learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools,” he stated.
He added that preserving national memory through books, civic education, and public discourse remains essential to building a more informed, united, and progressive society.
