News
Wike Charges NCE On Functional Education
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has called on members of the National Council on Education (NCE) to make the nation’s educational system functional and self-reliant through positive policies that would enhance the education sector.
The governor added that making the education self-reliant was the only way to bring true freedom to the nations’ prosperity.
Wike made the call, last Monday, while declaring open a five-day technical session at the ongoing 64th meeting of the National Council on Education (NCE) holding at Dr Obi Wali International Conference Centre in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo, the governor, who said that he believed in the power of education as a catalyst for social change to foster prosperity and development, explained his unreserved commitment to ensuring the delivery of quality education to all and sundry across the state.
He described the theme of the 64th NCE meeting “Education For Self-Reliance, A Tool For The Achievement Of Education 2030 Agenda”, as very apt, adding that it was relevant to the NEW Rivers Vision of his administration.
The governor said, “As policy makers, we have a responsibility to make education functional for our children.
“As a government, we have constructed, renovated, and upgraded several schools; we have streamlined the process of private participation in the provision of quality, inclusive and equitable education delivery.
“Above all, in providing dividends of good governance to our people, this present administration is guided by the vision that except we make education functional and relevant to the needs of the individual, the prosperity of the future cannot be feasible”, he stated
The state chief executive used the opportunity to remind the delegates of their crucial role to transform the educational sector, adding that as technocrats, the decision of any government depended on their advice.
In his address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Architect Sonny Echono said the Federal Government has through the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) issued certificates to 70 newly-approved private Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to increase access to technical education as well as provide alternative route to higher education to advance technology and science development in the country.
Echono averred that the effort was geared towards shaping responsible and accountable citizens in the community, which was consistent with the national developmental objectives as articulated in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERCP) as well as Ministerial Strategic Plan (MSP) of President Muhammadu Buhari administration.
According to him, the present administration has exhibited not only political will, but also committed the required resources towards guaranteeing functional education and life-long learning through establishment of more centres for adult education, Federal Science and Technical Colleges (FSTCs) and polytechnics.
“The implications of establishing additional public polytechnics and issuing licence to private polytechnics as well as Innovative Enterprise Institutions (IEIs) is that future graduates will create wealth and employment which shall alleviate poverty and enhance the ability of citizens to sustain themselves”, he stated.
The permanent secretary opined that the importance of education for self-reliance cannot be over-emphasized.
Earlier in his address, the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Education, Mr Dagogo Adonye Hart, had said the educational goal of the government was to provide quality education at all levels and achieve improved learning outcomes for children in the state, adding that the government has taken systematic steps towards increasing the tempo to ensure the delivery of inclusive, equitable and quality education, through the provision of resources, infrastructure and competent teachers needed to increase learning in line with global best practices.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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