Okowa pledges to transform technical education in Delta

GOVERNOR Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has pledged to transform technical education in the state.

Okowa, who spoke during the weekend at the yearly luncheon of the Lagos branch of Government College Ughelli Old Boys’ Association (GCUOBA), said government’s focus in that respect was unmistakable.

Represented by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Chiedu Ebie, the governor added that government was also improving the state of infrastructure in schools.

“The government is also reviving sport facilities. Some of the students have no role models. We are also taking people that could serve as role models to the schools to talk to the students so they could look up to them. We are also improving on the reading culture of the students,” he said.

Also speaking, the chairman of the occasion, Ambassador Patrick Dele-Cole recalled that a good secondary school was important for the upbringing of the child.

“You go to a good secondary school, your character is made in that school. It means a lot to those who went to Government College Ughelli. They are very patriotic and enthusiastic about the school. It is a fantastic place. I hope other people will copy their example.”

He charged the young ones to take after the older ones that have excelled in their various disciplines.

“They need smaller classes, better teaching and equipment so that they will be able to achieve like the older colleagues. The young ones who are yet to join the association should try to come on board,” Cole stated.

He decried the current unenviable state of the economy.

“The nation is waiting for direction and policy from the government. A lot has to be done. The government is a little slow but we will wait and see. There is need for activities at all levels so that the economy can pick up.”

In his address, the president of the association, Barr. Clement Djebah, said the group had impacted the school’s results positively.

“The school result was below 20 per cent, but so far we have been able to upgrade it to 99 per cent. Most of the facilities are now working. It is a continuous system. It is a never-ending story. Structurally, the school is getting better.”

One of the awardees, Lawson Abanum, amid satisfaction, relieved that “the school was founded in 1945. Over the period of time the school has produced a lot of prominent old boys from the military to the politicians.

“As you can see today we have a lot of dignitaries here. Over the years, the association has become very strong due to the support of the old boys. We have spent over N200 million to renovate the facilities of the school. As we talk, we are renovating and building infrastructure in the school.

“I am the youngest to receive the award today. The award is borne out of the commitment and passion we have for the school. We have devoted our time and energy and resources to the development of the school.
“Personally, I will not say this is what I have done or have not do to deserve the award. But if the association today wants to reward me with an award, I think that I have done something that the association recognised. That is a plus,” he said.