Amaechi calls for increased funding of Education

Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi has called for increased funding of the education sector to achieve greater productivity and create an educated and enlightened citizenry.
Amaechi stated this at the 18th – 20th Convocation Ceremony of the Rivers State Polytechnic Bori, for the Award of Diplomas, HND Certificates and Prizes held at the Convocation Arena of the institution.
He said, “Our country, Nigeria must have the capacity to create the human capital needed for economic development.  There are serious concerns that our higher institutions of learning at all levels are producing graduates not fit for purpose.  In other words, our children are leaving school without the knowledge to sustain them or contribute to the development of the national economy.”
Amaechi described education as a focal point of development which is why his administration in Rivers state has made huge investments in the sector since 2007.
“Early, in the life of this administration, we declared a state of emergency in the Education Sector to make Rivers State the hub of education, not only in Nigeria, but also in sub-Sahara Africa.  Our commitment is to improve services and the quality of education and make it more relevant to productive activities, including value re-orientation, employment and wealth creation.  We shall continue to pursue that dream vigorously and also confront the challenges bedeviling the education sector.  Even as we strive to revitalize the sector, I am delighted to say that our efforts are bearing fruitful results.
The naming of Port Harcourt as the World Book Capital 2014 earlier in the year and other achievements gave eloquent testimony of the recognition.  It is an unprecedented achievement as we put Rivers State and Nigeria in the global map.” he said.
The governor expressed commitment to continually fund education in the state to forestall the cases of youths resorting to crime and other social vices, but redirect them on the path of self actualization and economic growth for societal development
“We have made tremendous efforts to replace the guns that were in the hands of our misguided and uninformed youths, thus, providing them with windows of opportunities and endless possibilities.”
Meanwhile governor Amaechi has warned against indiscipline among lecturers, staff and students. He also warned against criminal activities, cultism and examination malpractices, and ordered the Rector of the Polytechnic, Sir Obianko Nwolu-Elechi to dismiss and expel erring lecturers and students from the institution to serve as a deterrent to others.
According to him, “Government will not condone indiscipline and criminal activities amongst staff and students.  I will ensure that the full weight of the law is brought to bear on such cases, particularly cultism and examination malpractices.”
He said , “Discipline the lecturers and the rest will stop. If you dismiss the lecturers and expel the students, others will learn. The Rector should not tell me another day that he is overwhelmed.  There is no special lecturer or friend of the Governor. “
“This is an important milestone in the annals of the Polytechnic which has the mandate to turn out  a class of technical manpower for the economic development of the state.”
“Rector and Lecturers, we thank them for their efforts to reposition the Polytechnic for academic excellence despite the challenges confronting the institution.  It is equally heartwarming that all the courses of the institution have been accredited by the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE.  The State Government has taken note of this achievement.  We have noted your problems and will address them within the availability of resources.
Earlier, the Rector of Rivers State Polytechnic, Bori, Obianko Nwolu-Elechi said, “twenty four (24) years on, the institution has effectively discharged its mandate and continues to meet its targets and benchmarks.  I wish to assure His Excellency and this August audience of our determination to continue with our transformation initiative within the limits of available resources to bring the Polytechnic to enviable heights.
He said about 4,000 graduating students bagged the award of National and Higher National Diploma and Prizes.
Elechi also commended Senator Magnus Abe representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District and the Deputy Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Leyii Kwanne for massively alleviating the sufferings faced by students from the senatorial zone.