“Akoko-Edo LGA Will Benefit from the Multi-Campus Policy” – Dr. Joan Oviawe
A Tertiary Institution Campus is to be sited soon in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.
Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Joan Oviawe, gave the assurance at a meeting with critical stakeholders from Akoko-Edo Federal Constituency.
In a statement by Ms Edith Aiyede and Ms Mary Opii, for Select Committee, explained that the meeting was organized by the Akoko-Edo Forum and the Edo State Ministry of Education as an avenue to discuss the exclusion of the Constituency from those to benefit from the recently announced Multi-Campus Program by the State Governor.
The Edo State Commissioner for Education noted Governor Obaseki is interested in seeing to the growth of all Local Government Areas in the State, assuring that the Area will not neglected.
Dr. Oviawe who was not certain of the timeframe for the inclusion of the Area to benefit from the program, however assured that Akoko-Edo will be carried along as regards the project.
“I understand the pain you feel, but be rest assured that my Governor, our Governor has Akoko-Edo as one of the top LGAs in his developmental agenda
“All we are asking for is that we should be patience, in due time, His Excellency will let us know when Akoko-Edo will be included”
She explained that education sector in the State has faced series of challenges over the years, stressing that the Governor Obaseki led Administration in the State is working hard to reverse the trend for good.
“Akoko-Edo has about 70 primary schools being one of the highest numbers in the State and over 26 secondary schools
“The education sector has faced a big challenge in the State over the years considering that the last major teachers’ recruitment took place in 2008
“The present administration has seen this and His Excellency is leaving no stone unturned at reversing and revitalizing our Education sector
“As part of efforts to change this trend, there’s massive recruitment of teachers going on with emphasis on recruitment of teachers that live or come from those Areas where the schools are
“More STEM Teachers are needed; hence the recruitment portal has been reopened for applicants in those fields”
According to the Commissioner, the State is vigorously pursuing the Universal Basic Education (UBE) program with the LGA free education for the first six years and the recently introduced one-year pre-school Program.
“The State is tapping into the new Federal Government Secondary School Policy to help with funding of secondary education
“However, the State cannot shy away from the need to supplement government expenditures on education with input from Companies and minimum fees to change the trajectory of education infrastructure and personnel deficits in the sector”
Dr. Joan Oviawe promised to immediately investigate issues bedeviling the National Teachers Institute in Igarra, which is at the verge of closure due to lack of funding and low level of awareness of the existence of such facility in the LGA with a view to revive the Institute.
Earlier in an address, a member of Akoko-Edo Forum Leadership, Dr. Richard Bagudu, appreciated the Commissioner for address the immediate concerns of the people of Akoko-Edo, urging the Commissioner to use his Office to help ensure solution to all issues raised at the all-important meeting.
