BY ETU MOSES
THE Consultant on Education to Delta State Government, Prof. Hope Eghagha, has charged tertiary institutions in the state to intensify efforts towards producing graduates equipped with both certificates and relevant skills for the job market.
Eghagha made the call yesterday during his visit to the Delta State Polytechnic, Oghara, as part of a statewide needs assessment tour of tertiary institutions.
According to him, the era of graduating students without practical skills is over, stressing that institutions must now focus on training students who can effectively contribute to the development of society.
He explained that his assignment is to listen to the concerns of the various institutions and submit a comprehensive report to the state government in coming weeks.
Eghagha commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for initiating the assessment tour, describing it as a bold step towards uplifting the state’s higher education system. “I commend the Governor for carrying the burden of improving our tertiary institutions. I appeal to staff and students to justify the government’s huge investments,” he added.
In his welcome address, the Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Oghara, Prof. Emmanuel Biri, lauded the state government for the initiative and expressed optimism that the visit would yield positive results.
He presented the institution’s list of needs to the Consultant, urging the government to give them favourable consideration.
In a related development, the consultant also visited the College of Education, Mosogar, where the Provost, Dr. Samuel Ugboduma, announced that the Delta State House of Assembly had approved a dual mandate allowing the college to award both the Nigeria Certificate in Education (N.C.E.) and Degrees in Education.
The Provost said the development would increase their intake and put them on a solid foundation towards generating more revenue.
Responding, Prof. Eghagha thanked the provost, staff and the students for their warm reception and admonished them to market their skills and serve the community.
He assured the management that all the concerns raised during the visit would be incorporated into his report to the governor.
The needs assessment tour continues today with a visit to Orerokpe Campus of Southern Delta University, Orerokpe and Delta State University, Abraka while tomorrow, the team will move to School of Maritime Technology, Burutu and College of Education, Warri, On Friday, the tour will move to Southern Delta University, Ozoro and Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi Uku.
