By Ovedhe Hezekiah.
The Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has said that his administration will continue to invest more resources in ensuring that he provide the necessary school infrastructure for a conducive learning climate for Deltans.
Governor Oborevwori stated this on Thursday during the commissiong of projects in Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, in commemoration of his hundred days in office.
He posited that, the goal of this administration is to ensure that every child has access to a complete and functional education, noting that, “Within the limits of available resources, we shall not relent to fill whatever gaps that exist in the physical appearance of our educational institutions.”
In his words; “Today, we have taken another major step in advancing Delta State by putting Delta State University of Science and Technology on a stronger and surer footing. As soon as this institution was upgraded to a university in 2021, the state government began the process of improving the facilities in the campus in line with its new status. The campus had reasonable structures on ground for the take-off of the new university but some additional structures were needed for its smooth running.
“This ultra-modern Administrative Building, comprised of a fully furnished office accommodation for the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellors, Registrar, Bursar and their staff; 21 Rooms University Guest House and quash Court, 2km Internal Roads built by the University using interlocking tiles, and Staff School being commissioned today are among projects embarked upon by the state government. Some of them are already in use.
“There is also a compelling need to reevaluate and reform the software aspect of our educational system. In a global economy where the most valuable skill you can sell is your knowledge, the education we offer must be at par with global standards. To meet these standards and close achievement gaps, our educational institutions must continually innovate to enrich the curricula and the practice of teaching and learning for better outcomes. This is where policy makers, educators, teachers, administrators, and consultants come in.
“It is crucial for our universities to engage in ground breaking, cross-disciplinary research to address the complex challenges of an increasingly diverse and technological society. For our education to remain meaningful and impactful, it must also undertake research that helps society to develop, in real time, lasting solutions to the challenges of urban decay, potable water supply, alternative energy sources, public transport network, and waste treatment and management. I am simply saying here that our education must marry theory and practice.
“Many employers in our country complain that many products of our universities are simply unemployable. That must change. An inspiring and informed teacher is an invaluable asset. The modern teacher must possess the wherewithal to help students think critically, solve problems, make informed judgments, and create knowledge that benefit both the students and the society. When that happens, the products of our universities will come out ready to face and conquer the world with their entrepreneurial, ethical, and social skills.”
On his part, the State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof Nyerhovwo Tanukari posited that, “This University commenced with forty-five (45) academic programmes in six Faculties, all duly approved by the National Universities Commission of Nigeria (NUC).
“Your Excellency, higher education is one the most important precursor to industrialisation. Therefore Sir, I wish to inform you that the Delta State University of Science and Technology vision includes technological innovations, hands-on-skills training and ground breaking research directed towards socio-economic development. I also wish to inform you, your Excellency, that the academic community is very happy that under your visionary leadership, the Delta State Government has continued to invest immensely in tertiary education, while also underscoring your dedication to shaping the minds of future generations.
“Your Excellency Sir, the high quality of the projects you will be commissioning today is a demonstration of the meaningful development enshrined in the MORE Agenda and evidence of your resolute commitment to driving positive change in Delta State.”
Earlier on, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof Jacob Snapp Oboreh, said the University has identified Governor Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda as a holistic roadmap for the advancement of Delta State.
He noted that; “The zeal, energy and commitment deployed by our staff and students to the task of finding solutions to humanity’s problems will soon yield the desired results. It is on this score that we respectfully put some requests before His Excellency.
“This set of requests will not only help in realizing our mission and vision, but also in accelerating our taking our rightful place in the global reckoning of universities. Procurement of engineering equipment as none has been purchased since the founding of the University.
“Procuring such equipment will galvanise our University into a production hub in practice. Funding for eminent accreditation by the National Universities Commission to the tune of four hundred million naira only. Funds to the tune of four hundred million naira to mitigate the impact of the 2022 flood which destroyed buildings, damaged equipment and washed away the faculty of Agriculture farms. Provisions of electricity to power the University to leapfrog our technological drive.”
Other needs of the University enumerated by Prof Oboreh are; “The need to mobilize the contractor to commence the construction of the faculty of Management Sciences. Request for the construction of a 3km Road to facilitate easy mobility of staff, students and equipment on campus. If the money is released to the University, the University has the capacity to construct the roads with 100,000,000 only per kilometer. Request for four officials vehicles, for the Principal officers, (The Liberian. Request for 60,000,000, only to replace Tartan Tracks at the University Stadium. Request for 15,000,000 only for external works for some of the University Buildings.”
