Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, has stated that his administration was working assiduously to ensure that every child in the state have access to complete and functional education comparable to any part of the world.
He made the disclosure recently during the inauguration of multiple projects at the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of the State.
The projects inaugurated as part of activities lined up to celebrate his administration’s first 100 days in office include; Administrative building; Vice-Chancellor’s Lodge; Staff School building; University Guest House/squash court, and two kilometres of interlock/concrete Road in the University.
He commended the University management for the many projects executed through internally generated revenue, assuring that his administration would continue to invest in the upgrade of educational infrastructure in the state for a conducive learning climate.
While commending the immediate past administration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for establishing the three new universities, Governor Oborevwori challenged universities to engage in research to solve plethora of challenges confronting the world.
The Governor said: “The goal of this administration is to ensure that every child has access to a complete and functional education. Within the limits of available resources, we shall not relent to fill whatever gaps that exist in the physical appearance of our educational institutions.
“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”.
At Okpolo-Enhwe, where he inaugurated the Phase 2 of Okpolo-Enhwe – Uwheru Road in Isoko South Local Government Area of the State, Oborevwori said notwithstanding the current financial challenges, his administration would continue to construct and rehabilitate roads and bridges in major metropolis and rural areas across the state to further improve urban-rural integration and boosting trade and commerce.
While commending the contractor for a job well done, the Governor appealed to other contractors handling projects for the Delta State Government to ensure timely and quality delivery, adding that he would “only inaugurate projects that are of the highest standard and quality because the people deserve the best.”
Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr Charles Aniagwu said the road connects the Okpolo-Enhwe people and their Uwheru neighbours in Ughelli North Local Government Area and commended Governor Oborevwori for his commitment towards the project.
Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari said the University was founded with 45 academic programmes in six faculties, all duly approved by the National Universities Commission of Nigeria (NUC).
He said higher education was the most important precursor to industrialisation, adding 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.
Professor Jacob Oboreh, Vice-Chancellor of the University, said inauguration of the projects was a remarkable day for the young but potentially great institution.
He said the university had identified with the Governor’s M.O.R.E Agenda as a holistic roadmap for the advancement of the State.
