Professor Mary Lar has been commended for pioneering nomadic education in Nigeria.
Professor Lar pioneered nomadic education in Nigeria by conceptualising the National Commission for Nomadic Education, which was established in 1989 to cater to the educational needs of Nigeria’s nomadic population.
Mary Lar, who is the wife of Late Chief Solomon Lar, the first civilian governor of Plateau State and pioneer National President of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), received the commendation at the celebration of her 90th birthday celebration. She was also a former Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands.
The birthday celebration which was commemorated in Abuja, was later shifted to Jos, the Plateau State capital yesterday by the state government, dignitaries, family members and friends of the professor.
The celebration was also marked with the presentation of her book titled: “Life with my Best Friend.”
Speaking at the event, the Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang, represented by the Deputy Governor, Josephine Piyo, said Mrs. Lar was a result-oriented educationist, philanthropist and a God-fearing woman who has achieved a lot not only for herself but for the society.
The deputy governor said Lar’s outstanding contribution to National development, nomadic education, intellectual works and her service to the people as the former First Lady of Plateau State is unequalled.
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In her remarks, Prof Mary Lar’s daughter, Beni Lar, who was the immediate past member representing Langtang North and Langtang South in the House of Representatives, said many pastoralists who are mostly Fulanis benefited from the nomadic education.
According to her, Fulanis in Plateau State also benefited tremendously from the nomadic education, pointing out that the Fulani in the State rank among the highest to have attained western education.
She, however, lamented that government in recent time has not given the necessary attention to nomadic education, even as she called on governments at all levels to the revitalise the programme.
The book presenter, Kefas Ropshik (aka Kefiano), who also eulogised Prof Lar, urged the government to officially honour and decorate Prof Mary Lar with the title “Mama Plateau”.
Others dignitaries at the event are the Plateau State first lady H.E Mrs. Helen Mutfwang (esq), Sen. Napoleon Bali (AVM retired), Plateau CPC coordinator, Helen Edward Dabup, Chief Jonathan Onigbinde, former Plateau State First Lady, Mrs. Valentina Dariye; Vice Chancellor of University of Jos, Tanko Ishaya; the book reviewer, Rev. Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam, amongst others.