Akoko-Edo to get campus of a tertiary institution, Commissioner assures

Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Joan Oviawe, has assured people of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area in the State, that they will soon get campus of a tertiary Institution.

According to a syndicated Press statement made available to Fresh Angle International this afternoon, Wednesday March 2 by one Ms Edith Aiyede with email; aiedeedith@gmail.com, Dr. Oviawe, gave the assurance during a recent meeting with critical stakeholders from Akoko-Edo Federal Constituency.

The statement explained: “The session was jointly organized by Akoko-Edo Forum and the Edo State Ministry of Education, in light of the exclusion of the Constituency from those to benefit from the recently announced multi-campus programme by the Governor (Godwin Obaseki). When pressed for timeframe on when this can happen, Dr. Oviawe, pleaded with the audience for patience as the Governor is the only one who can give such a commitment given the weight of such a pronouncement”.

Dr. Oviawe, reportedly said: "I understand the pain and sense of neglect you feel, but be rest assured Mr. Governor has Akoko-Edo as one of the top LGAs in his development agenda”.

A member of Akoko-Edo Forum leadership, Dr. Richard Bagudu, was reported to have thanked the Commissioner for coming to address the immediate concerns of Akoko-Edo people, within the short time of the request.

Dr. Bagudu, used the opportunity to address the challenges facing, “the oldest government division since 1954, which has remained untouched since creation. This sad commentary is reflected by the fact that it is the only Federal Constituency without a tertiary institution in the State. Coupled with this is the near-total collapse of both primary and secondary schools in the LG”.

Dr. Oviawe, who demonstrated a commendable knowledge of the challenges facing the educational system in Edo State, explained that although Akoko-Edo has about 70 primary schools, being one of the highest numbers in the State and over 26 secondary schools, observed: "The education sector has faced a big challenge in the State over the years, considering that the last major teachers' recruitment took place in 2008. A situation the present administration is reversing".

She reportedly announced that there's massive recruitment of teachers going on with an emphasis on recruitment of teachers that live or come from those areas, where the schools are.

"More STEM Teachers are needed; hence the recruitment portal has been reopened for applicants in those fields," Dr. Oviawe, said.

According to the Commissioner, the State is vigorously pursuing the Universal Basic Education, UBE, programme with the Local Government Area free education for the first six years and the recently introduced one-year pre-school.

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