The Rivers State Government says it is committed to providing the children of the State access to quality education regardless of their background or circumstance.
The State Deputy Governor Professor Ngozi Nma Odu stated this while speaking during the 35th Convocation Lecture of Rivers State University, Nkpolu, in Port Harcourt on Thursday 14th December, 2023.
Prof Odu noted that the Governor Fubara led Administration recognizes the crucial role education plays in the development of the State, stressing that under the watch of Governor Fubara education will continue to receive adequate attention.
“We are investing heavily in our educational infrastructure, building new schools, equipping class rooms with the latest technology and attracting and retaining the best teachers. We are also implementing innovative programmes that carter for the diverse needs of our learners”. Prof Odu stressed.
The Deputy Governor said the topic for the Convocation Lecture titled “Education the Golden Path to Freedom” is very apt in the face of global realities before us in the areas of science, innovations, and emerging technologies globally, stressing that the Guest Lecturer, Donald Duke, a former Governor of Cross Rivers State, whom she described as an erudite scholar, a renowned speaker and a wonderful personality did justice to the topic.
Prof. Odu insisted that education is an investment in our children, communities and our nation’s future, adding that we must come together to create a culture that values education and encourages lifelong learning that illuminates every life and unlocks the boundless potentials of every child.
The Guest Lecturer, Mr. Donald Duke, who was the former Governor of Cross Rivers State, insisted that we must evolve to a system of education that impacts on individuals, a unique ability that is contributory to the overall benefit of the society.
According to him, one of the greatest mitigations to achieving our full potential as a people and a nation is the near absence of infrastructure, insisting that the paralyzing road, rail, air and seaport infrastructure mitigates the rapid movement of goods and persons.
In his remarks the Chairman of the occasion and Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said what the Niger Delta Region needs right now is for more people to be educated, stressing that by getting educated, they would become more informed and prosperous.
Also speaking the Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof. Nlerum Okogbule, said this year’s Convocation Lecture is unique, because the theme is in line with the vision of the University, which is to play an important role as a catalyst for positive change and development through teaching research and community service.
Owupele Benebo
Head of Press,
Deputy Governor’s Office, Port Harcourt.
Thursday December 14th, 2023.
