The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has said that his administration is committed to broadening access to education
Speaking on Saturday at the second combined convocation ceremony of the College of Education, Mosogar in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, the Governor observed that with over nine state-owned tertiary institutions, Delta State remained committed to providing access to higher education for every Deltan who wish to acquire education.
He was represented at the occasion by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of award of Excellence in Good Leadership Support and Women Development to the wife of the Governor, Deaconess (Mrs) Tobore Oborevwori, the wife of the former governor, Dame Edith Okowa, Chairman of Delta State Elders Advisory Council, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, the Chairman Delta State Traditional Rulers Council,HRM, Major General Felix Mujakperue rtd, the Orodje of Okpe, among others.
Oborevwori said , “It is with great joy and a sense of homecoming that I stand before you today as Governor and Visitor to this esteemed institution.
“Mosogar is more than a community to me, it is a second home, woven into my political journey and deep-rooted association with its remarkable people.
“My delight is further amplified as I witness the transformation of this institution, one whose growth I had the privilege of contributing to in 2017, when, as a member of the House of Assembly, we amended the edict to elevate it to a conventional College of Education.
“What I see today, fills me with pride; truly, Delta State stands tall as Nigeria’s hub of education.
“With over nine State-owned tertiary institutions, Delta State remains committed to broadening educational access; this dedication aligns seamlessly with the essence of higher institutions, as outlined in my MORE agenda, to ensure that every Deltan who desires quality education has the opportunity to achieve it. Education is the foundation of progress and we are unwavering in our resolve to strengthen it.
“During my tenure as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, I wholeheartedly supported the initiative of the previous administration to convert some institutions into universities.
“Today, we see the fruit of that decision, just in the last admission cycle, our four universities collectively admitted over 37,000 candidates, the majority of whom are proud Delta indigenes. This bold move has curtailed capital flight, keeping our best minds within the State and fostering economic growth.
“I take great pride in the fact that, since this administration took office, all nine tertiary institutions have operated seamlessly without interruption. As rightly noted by the provost, salaries, allowances and entitlements of staff are consistently paid before the third day of each month, a testament to our government’s commitment to the welfare of educators and the advancement of learning.”
The Governor added that considering the enormous task of providing quality education,it was necessary that collective efforts be made by well-meaning Deltans to support education.
He said, “the task of building a strong educational foundation cannot be left solely to the government; education is a collective responsibility and I call upon well-meaning Deltans, philanthropists and investors to support our tertiary institutions by investing in infrastructure development.
“When we invest in education, we invest in a future that is bright, innovative and boundless.
“My commitment to prioritizing education within the MORE agenda stems from the fundamental belief that a literate soasier to govern than an uninformed one. Knowledge is power, it enlightens, empowers and transforms. That is the Delta we envision.”
Oborevwori congratulated his wife for the award and the graduating student.
“On a personal note, today is particularly special for my family, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to my dear wife on the well-deserved honour of being awarded a Fellow of the National Certificate in Education by this College.
“We do not take this recognition for granted and we deeply appreciate this gesture.
“To our graduating students, I congratulate you wholeheartedly. As you step beyond the gates of this institution to pursue new aspirations, I urge you to carry the banner of this great College with pride and excellence. Be ambassadors of hard work, integrity and service as you represent not just this College but the future of Delta State,” he added.
The Chairman of the Governing Council of the institution, Rt. Hon. Akpodiogaga Emeyese, appreciated the governor for what his administration is doing to advance the education sector and the welfare of members of staff as encapsulated in the MORE Agenda.
He said that the Governing Council was poised to leave a lasting legacy in the college by ensuring peaceful coexistence of staff and students of the college.
Earlier, the provost of the college, Dr Israel Imide, said that the college has become one of the best higher institutions in the state with 99 percent recorded from the 22 programmes accreditation exercise conducted by the National Commission for Colleges of Education, (NCCE), in February this year.
Dr Imide said the college in 2021 won the TETFund award for Best Research Fund Utilization in Nigeria.
High point of the ceremony was the presentation of award to the best graduating student, Miss Elizabeth Akani with 4.89 distinction.
