Gov. Fubara inaugurates  Governing Councils  for 3 state owned tertiary institutions

…urges them to revolutionize education in the state

From Chris Eze, Port Harcourt

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Wednesday promised to give the best attention to the education sector so that standard and quality learning will never be compromised in the State.

The governor emphasised that in achieving such legacy, schools in the State will be driven with a curriculum that will equip school-aged children to become competitive, innovative and self-reliant.

Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Governing Council of Rivers State University at Government House in Port Harcourt

He said: “There is a lot of noise everywhere: people asking what we are doing; that we are not focused, and that we don’t have direction.

“But I want to tell the world that we are focused and aware that we cannot grow if our energies are not channelled to education. Not just education, but purposeful education.

“Education that is creative.  Education that gives you independence. We have left the era in the world when you speak too much grammar. We are in such times when it is what you can do with your hands.

“Our purpose for education is that we should bring back our academic programmes to where, at the end of your studies, you don’t need a job but you create jobs. When one creates a job, you automatically employ others. That is what I want this council to see as their task.”

Governor Fubara noted the non-existence of public secondary schools for the male child in the Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.

He said such negligence leaves children in that area who have completed primary education, and whose parents cannot afford sending them to far away secondary schools, to roam the streets, and therefore becoming willing tools for criminality.

Governor Fubara assured that such fundamental problem would be addressed by his administration as a measure to curb the negative impression associated with Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.

The governor expressed confidence in the capacity of the members of the Governing Council of Rivers State University to bring about positive change in the institution while also contributing their quota to improving the general education standard in the State.

“I charge you, not just in terms of administering the affairs of the university, but let us add something different from the normal things that we already have to see new things.”

In her response, on behalf of the other members, the Pro-Chancellor of the Governing Council of Rivers State University, Justice Mary Odili (rtd), thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve in such capacity.

Justice Odili assured they would work assiduously as a team to solve the problems that agitate the mind of the governor and ensure their contributions form part of the legacy that would be bequeathed by his administration.

The members included Justice Mary Odili (rtd) as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council with Barrister Mela Oforibika and Chukwuma Chinwo, Esq.

Others are Adata Bio-Briggs, Esq., Dr. Jonathan Nimi Hart, Ngo Martins-Yellowe, Dr. Nancy Nwankwo, Dr. Igoni William-Park, and Mr. Ogbugbu Barisua.

Also inaugurating the Governing Council for Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Governor Fubara directed them to recommence the employment process that was cancelled last year because of irregularities.

The governor warned them against going against the initial approval of  869 staff only, with quotas specified for the academic and non-academic staff.

Similarly, while inaugurating the Governing Council of the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic (CEAPOLY), Rumuola, Gov. Fubara tasked then to ensure provision of proper administration to the institution.

The governor said, at this critical time, proper administration will steer the institution aright and restore it to the path of academic excellence.

The governor recalled when Rivers State was among top States in the federation with competitive academic performance, and said it was time to return the State to that path of excellence.

“We were noted for something many years ago. When you come to Rivers State, you’ll see interesting competition in education. Today, the competition is no longer in education, it is in the number of violent incidents.

“We need to change the strategy, we need to let people understand that the only way that we will develop our State is with quality education”, he insisted.

The Governing Council for the University of Education is led by former Attorney General of the state, Chief Adokiye Amasiemeka, while that  of Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic is led by Dr. Robinson Ewoh.

“In China, the secret behind their success is their brain put in their hands. When they think, they make it happen. They don’t sit in their homes to think, they go to quality schools, no matter how it is. They are built to become useful to themselves and the society.”

Governor Fubara charged members of the new council to do something different from the normal things that they see happening in the institution.

“Make sure you give the polytechnic a direction. I have had a few complaints, and I strongly believe that by setting up this council today, all the issues in that school will be resolved.”

Governor Fubara specifically said: “We have issues of employment, we have issues of staff welfare, we have issues of indiscipline by members of the staff.

“I know quite alright that with the calibre of the council members, you have what it takes to put that institution on the right path.”

Speaking on behalf of other members, Chairman of the council Dr. Robinson N. Ewoh, said the school was originally for basic studies but later became a college.

He added that by 2016, it was transformed into a polytechnic but the infrastructure has not changed, stressing that to achieve the needed technical education, facilities need to improve.

“You go to infrastructure, the classrooms are still like those of School of Basic Studies: No library, laboratory, zero hostel. And because of zero hostel, the in-take is gradually coming down.

“The houses around there are very expensive. Parents can no longer afford to pay house rents to enable their kids go to that school.

“Finally, Your Excellency, even the council you have put together now, we don’t have an office, no council building.

“The last administration started something, and stopped half way. So, the Rector will still have to look for a temporary office for us. But I want to assure you that the team you have put together, well experienced team, will be able to deliver on the mandate you have given us.”

Members of the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic Governing Council has Dr. Robinson N. Ewoh as Chairman, with Dr. Emmanuel O. Omah, Nwonuala Chinaka Charles, Evans Amadi, Dr. Nancy Nwankwo, Chief Dakorinama Evans Ibama, and Chief Bajor Osaro, as members.