Foundation donates lecture hall to boost public education in Rivers
A Non-Governmental organisation, Dr Emi Membere-Otaji Foundation (DREMOF) has donated a 150-seater capacity lecture hall to the University of Port Harcourt to boost Public Education in Rivers State, President of the foundation, Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji, described the donation as significant development in the education sector in Nigeria by the
Membere-Otaji, who spoke in an interview during the formal handing over ceremony of the building to the Institution, noted that the gesture did not only demonstrate the foundation’s commitment to education but also highlights the importance of private sector involvement in addressing the infrastructural challenges facing the country’s education system.
While noting the foundation’s commitment to education and various initiatives, including the provision of scholarships, rebuilding of school fences, and construction of libraries, Membere-Otanji said the donation is a testament to the impact that private sector organizations can have on education in Nigeria.
He called for the need for a collaborative approach to addressing the challenges facing Nigeria’s education system. He stated that the private sector, government, and civil society organisations must work together to provide the necessary infrastructure, resources, and support to ensure that Nigerian students receive quality education.
Membere-Otanji, however, noted that the gesture was to encourage and boost public education and as well lesson the burden of infrastructural development in some of the public tertiary institutions.
While commending the donor, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Owunari Abraham Georgewill, stated that the lecture hall will greatly enhance the learning experience for students. He said: “We appreciate the donor, and the Foundation. It is a fantastic gift to the University. This facility will help the University in our quest for infrastructural development for students to have a good place to read and have lectures.
Also, Mrs. Olabisi Emi Membere-Otaji, the vice president of the Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji Foundation, expressed her delight at the completion of the project.
She explained that the foundation has three key areas of focus: education, environmental sustainability, and health.
“I think it is applaudable; we’ve come a long way in a short time. The foundation is only so many years old, and we’ve been able to put this together. I mean, the other things we do, but this event is, I think, a good way to end the year,” she added.
Also, the general manager of corporate communications and zonal coordination of the Nigerian Content and Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Esueme Dan Kikile, commended the foundation for its generosity. He advised the university to maintain the facility and make use of it for the benefit of the students. Kikile also advised the foundation to ensure the sustainability of the facility.
The event was attended by academic and administrative staff of the University, members of the university governing Council, principal officers of University of Port Harcourt, Regent of Kalabari Kingdom and Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Chief Dr C.I.T Numbere-Princewill, represented by Kikile, members and friends of the DREMOF foundation, Nigerian Chamber of Commerce, Student Union leaders, support groups from Kalabari Kingdom and others.
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