COEWA reveals core achievements of Prof. Edema as Provost

Upgrading of ICT facilities with the installation of solar energy at the ICT Block, increase in the quantities and qualities of computer hardware as well as facilities and smoothening of the hitherto rough-edged relationship between TETFUND and College of Education, Warri, by completing some of the abandoned projects from previous administrations, have been identified as some of the stewardship of Prof. (Mrs.) Mary Olire Edema as Provost of College of Education, Warri, COEWA.

Prof. Edema (right) conducting Chief Thomas Ereyitomi, Chief Joseph Otumara & others on a tour of the newly commissioned science building

Chairman of the Governing Council of COEWA, V.O. T. Abanum, who outlined the core stewardship of Prof. Edema as Provost of the institution, Thursday June 17, during unveiling of the book on Prof. Edema’s transformational leadership and commissioning of completed projects, mentioned; Improvement of academic standards among staff and students, attraction of the University of Benin Affiliate Programme to the College, which has seen the school grooming graduates at degree levels, marginal increase of the Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, of the institution, enhanced staff participation at Conferences and Seminars, locally and overseas, which in turn impacted positively on the academic and social status of the College, acquiring of Ph.Ds by a lot of staff under her watch, ongoing hostel infrastructural project and the award of contract for the construction of entrepreneurship acquisition building, as other key achievements of Prof. Edema as Provost of COEWA.

While stating that Prof. Edema do not have any record of abandoned project to her credit, Abanum added: “This occasion is unique, because Professor Mrs. Olire Edema, the lady of the moment is the first female Provost of the College and among her peers, who have passed through this institution, she has indeed distinguished herself in very many ways”.

The Provost-Designate of COEWA, Dr. Dickson O. Oyovwi, in his address, stated: Today's celebration of 5 years of meritorious service/send forth party in honour of Prof. (Mrs.) Mary Olire Edema, is part of the transition programme to the historic date. I am happy and grateful to God Almighty that I am part of this history making. The shoe I am about to take over is oversized, but I pray that God Almighty will grow my feet to fit into the shoe. I have been in this College for over twenty years and served under many Provosts. However, to the best of my knowledge, this is the first Provost being officially send-forth by the College. This is because of the smooth transition we lacked in the past.

Foundation stage of the entrepreneurship building

“I will not fail to appreciate the College Management under the hegemony of Professor (Mrs.) Mary Olire Edema, for putting the structures in place for a smooth transition. Without the cooperation of Management, the hope of getting an internal Provost would have been a pipe dream. Management was able to unite all stakeholders to pursue a common goal. Yes, Professor (Mrs.) Mary Olire Edema is leaving, but her good works will linger for a long time. I hope to build a united management team to sustain her good work.

Hon. Matthew Poko Opuoru (right) commissioning of the projects, while Chief Ereyitomi, Chief Otumara & others, observe

“For the first time, the appointment of Provost was not followed with barrage of petitions and counter petitions. A big thanks to our Unions. The College Congregation/Community must also be appreciated for their support and cooperation”.

Chief Joseph Otumara, commissioning another key infrastructural project

Chairman of the Event Planning Committee and Deputy Provost of College of Education, Warri, Dr. (Mrs.) Fidelia Ighrakpata, in her welcome address, described Prof. Mary Edema as a woman of many talents and icon of our time.

The member representative Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chief Thomas Ereyitomi, who unveiled the book on the 5-year Meritorious Stewardship of Prof. (Mrs.) Mary Olire Edema, as Provost of College of Education, Warri and also laid the foundation for the entrepreneurship centre initiated by Prof. Edema, described the send-forth ceremony of the out-going Provost as unique in her life and that of COEWA.

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Chief Thomas Ereyitomi, performing the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the entrepreneurship building

A former Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Patrick Muoboghare, commended the achievements of Prof. Edema and stated: “Anybody can be a Provost, Governor or Commissioner. The difference between one Provost and the other is what you bring to the table”.

Prof. Muoboghare (4^th right) commissioning one of the infrastructural projects, to the delight of Prof. Edema, Hon, Matthew Poko Opuoru, Dr. Michael Tidi, Dr. Dickson O. Oyovwi (right) & Others

Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Dr. Michael Tidi, who spoke to This Newspaper in an exclusive interview, described Prof. Edema as someone who is foresighted.

Dr. Tidi, averred: “What was remarkable for me, is her investment in skills’ acquisition programme, which is in line with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s agenda.  I want to commend her, we will lend our voices to hers and call on the National Assembly, to look at the possibility of strengthening NCE programme and rejig the policy to address the disparity between NCE and OND”.

L-R: Dr. Michael Tidi, Hon. Opuoru & Chief Ereyitomi

In her valedictory speech, Prof. Mary Edema, noted: “I sincerely appreciate the former Chairman of COEWA Governing Council, Prof. Sam O. Aghalino and all the members of his Governing Council for deeming me fit to be among those recommended. There are persons, destiny helpers, that God positions in one's path at the appropriate time to help achieve a dream that He, the Almighty is part of. These persons include, but not limited to His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli, the transited Olu of Warri, Dr. Kingsley Emu, Rt. (Hon.) Festus Ovie Agas, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, Prof. Emmanuel Nwanze, Prof. Patrick Muoboghare and Prof. G.O Yomere, among others”.

Prof. Edema, giving her valedictory remarks

She added: “The annual enrolment of College of Education is reducing every year as many students, even if not qualified for universities, want to go there at all cost and if not possible, will opt for Polytechnics, instead of a College of Education, for a number of reasons”.

Fresh Angle International can report that highlights of the grandeur event, were the unveiling of the book on Prof. Edema’s Transformational Leadership and the Commissioning of Completed Project. Some of the projects (financed by Tetfund) were inherited and others initiated by the Prof. Edema leadership of the institution.

R-L: Mr. Andrew Orits Ukawe, Hon. Matthew Opuoru, Chief Ereyitomi, Mr. Eugene Ebisin & Mr. Emma Nunu

L-R: Prof. Edema, Prof. Clarkson Edema (husband to Prof. Edema) & Prof. Muoboghare

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