From TCNEWS
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to the development and enhancement of the Education Sector.
Delivering an address during the taking over of the site of the newly established Federal College of Education Ofeme, Ohuhu, in Umuahia North L.G.A, of Abia State, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, said that the establishment of the College stood, as a tangible testament to the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Government’s dedication to addressing the educational needs of the populace and ensuring broader access to quality education.
The Minister who was represented by Dr. Uchenna Uba, Director, College of Education Department, Federal Ministry of Education, said the initiative underscored the President’s unwavering commitment to realizing the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration and revitalizing the Teaching Profession in Nigeria.
“As the Federal Government takes over the site of this newly established Institution, there is optimism that the upcoming academic activities will catalyze profound transformations in the lives of its students.
“This Federal College of Education is envisioned to become a center of knowledge, innovation, and inspiration for aspiring Educators. It will be a vibrant environment where ideas thrive, curiosity is encouraged, and the pursuit of learning is cherished”.
The Minister anticipated that the milestone would significantly contribute to delivering high-quality education and promoting intellectual advancement not only within the State but also across the entire nation.
Delivering his address, Governor Alex Otti, said his Government would remain very willing to partner with the Management of the College to make it a model of excellence in the region, as his administration has demonstrated with the completion of the relevant protocols leading to the processing, and subsequent handover of the Certificate of Occupancy for the 25.1 hectare of land where the college would be sited.
Gov. Otti who also assured that his administration’s willingness to do everything within its power to see that the Institution served the purpose for which it has been established, said, “In Abia State, we consider every project, whether it belongs to the State or Federal Government, very valuable because the people of the State, whether indigenes of residents, will be the primary beneficiaries”.
To facilitate the smooth take-off of academic activities in the College by September this year as proposed, Gov. Otti who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Mrs Uche Eme Uche, disclosed that his Government has constituted a committee led by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Kenneth Kalu, to work with the relevant stakeholders within the education ecosystem here in the State, and in Abuja to make sure that everything goes according to plan.
“The siting of this College in Ofeme-Ohuhu aligns very much with our strategic objective for the education sector as it will support other state-owned institutions to train, and supply the relevant manpower needed for the growth of the sector”, the governor also stated.
Speaking respectively, the Mayor of Umuahia North L.G.A, High Chief Victor Ikeji and the Chairman Ohuhu clan traditional rulers council, HRM Eze Charles Ngwuli, said that Umuahia North is very happy to host the institution and the host community would present itself as the best place the College is deposited.
In his address, the President General of Ofeme Progressive Union Federated, OPUF, High Chief Raymond Onyinyechi Ofoegbu, represented by Mr. Obioma Oburuoga assured the government solemnly of the community’s total support and commitment in seeing to it that the Federal College of Education, Ofeme becomes the best in the nearest future.
“We are rich in both human and natural resources in the Eme river and Imo river for sand and other deposits, next to two billion untapped landmass suitable for local and international airports, factories and industries, housing estates, more tertiary institutions of higher learning, not overlooking health facilities, our rich soil for mechanized agriculture and access road for marketing of agricultural produces. Our community is so blessed and will create enabling environment for our students and teachers”,
Earlier in a welcome address, the Pioneer Provost of the College, Dr. Titus Ezeme, described the landmark event as the beginning of a new era in educational landscape of Abia State and Nigeria.
While appreciating the initiator of the project, High Chief Ikechi Emenike, for his foresight and determination which has laid the foundation for a brighter future for countless young minds, Ezeme stated that the handing over of the land documents of the college symbolized a pivotal achievement in their quest for approval and eventual takeoff of the esteemed institution.
The Abia State Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, the Member representing Umuahia North State Constituency, Hon. Anderson Akaliro among other notable dignitaries attended.
