By Godwin-Maria Utuedoye
Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Education has commended the management and Governing Councils of the four state’s owned Universities for improving standards in the institutions.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon Charles Emetulu gave the commendation during an oversight visit by members of the committee to the foremost Delta State University, Abraka and the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro.
Hon Emetulu stated that the visit which was in line with the oversight duties of the Legislature, was to enable members of the committee have good knowledge of developments and challenges capable of hindering progress in the institutions.
He said “As members of committee on Education, it is our constitutional duty to oversight Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs under our supervision.
“The visit is for us to have first hand information on the state of the Universities, including their academic programs as well as ascertain projects executed through government interventions, Internally generated revenue and those of TETFUND”.
The Lawmaker who represents Ndokwa West Constituency, maintained that education is key to development of the society, hence the much attention given to it by the Delta State government.
Hon Emetulu enjoined the management of Delta State University to continue to interface with relevant stakeholders with a view to achieving the best in the education sector.
While commending the governing council, management, and staff of the University for successes recorded in the just concluded 16th Convocation ceremony, Emetulu also lauded the management for the judicious use of funds in execution of projects as well as maintaining seamless academic calendar without interruptions.
He commended the school for being able to hold Convocation annually instead of the practice of combined Convocation ceremonies of several academic sessions
The Chairman, Assembly Committee on Education, accompanied by members, including Hon. Benson Obire, Ferguson Onwo, Emmanuel Sinebe, Matthew Omonade, Dafe Chukudi, Bridget Anyafulu and Marilyn Okowa-Daramola; inspected completed and ongoing projects at the Delta State University, Abraka.
Projects inspected include, Senate building which is near completion, Faculty of Management Science, 1,000 capacity multi purpose hall, laboratory, amongst others.
At the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, the Committee Chairman, Hon Charles Emetulu, commended the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for the establishment of the University, alongside two others in the state.
He reiterated the commitment of the MORE government of Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori and the Delta State House of Assembly towards functional education system in the state.
Emetulu alongside members of the committee who inspected ongoing projects, expressed satisfaction with the level of achievements recorded by the Institution within the short period of its existence.
They lauded the pioneer Vice Chancellor for his developmental initiative, urging the management to liaise with the Ministry of Higher Education in prioritizing some of its challenges ahead of budget preparation and defense.
The Committee also received a delegation from the Delta State Polytechnic, Burutu led by the Rector of the polytechnic.
In their reactions, Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, Vice Chancellor of the Delta State University, Abraka, Prof Andy Egwuyenga, Vice Chancellor of the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro Prof Jacob Oboreh and Rector of the Delta State Polytechnic, Burutu, Prof James Okoro, commended the Lawmakers for their efforts towards improving academic performance and infrastructural development in the state’s education system.
They assured of continued collaboration with the State Legislature in mitigating challenges faced by the institutions as well as advancing education in the State.
The oversight visit continues.