Governor promises to invest more in education

The Rivers Government has promised to invest more in the education sector, saying it is the fastest way to empower the youths of a state.

The promise was announced in a statement by Mr Simon Nwankanu, the Special Assistant to Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers on Sunday.

Nwankanu stated that Gov. Wike made the promise on Saturday at the 33rd and 34th combined convocation of the Ignatius Ajuri University of Education, Port Harcourt, represented by the Rivers Education Commissioner, Prof. Kaniye Ebeku.

The governor also said that the state government would increase funding in the next fiscal year to enable the University overcome some of its critical challenges in infrastructure, staff development and students’ welfare.

Wike added that “The state government alone cannot meet the funding needs of its tertiary institutions; we, therefore, expect the university to explore alternative sources of funding to augment the funding gaps.

“This is because investment in the education sector has led to sustained improvement in learning and infrastructure across the state.”

Wike commended the management of the university for working to secure accreditation of its courses and improving critical infrastructure.

The governor said “Besides achieving full accreditation for all programmes of the university with

National Universities Commission, the present management had ensured industrial harmony and delivered key infrastructure projects among several other achievements."

“We are quite happy with the developmental strides and ongoing improvements in the university. The management has lived up to the expectations of stakeholders, including the staff and students," he said.

He urged the fresh graduates to put the knowledge gained in the course of their academic pursuit to good use.

“Remember that things usually have a way of working out for those who strive. You must take your destiny in your hands and become the architects of your future by finding your ways into viable ventures and career paths in the public and private spheres or in self-employment”, he advised.

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Joseph Kinanee, commended the governor for the increased funding to the university, which he said led to the development of required educational infrastructure.

He said that the infrastructures helped the university in getting full accreditation for all its academic programmes.

A total of 3,334 graduands received various degrees, diplomas and certificates at the combined convocation.