COEWA fast-tracks development of student-accommodation, to transition into Degree awarding institution

College of Education, Warri, COEWA, will have the capacity to house well over 2,000 students on campus by the next academic session.

The Institution is also optimistic of commencing full implementation of the Dual Mode system by the next academic session, enabling it to transition into degree awarding institutions, while retaining its traditional mandate of awarding Nigeria Certificate in Education, NCE. 

Fresh Angle International, can report that this much was disclosed by the Provost of College of Education, Warri, Dr. Dickson Onowakpoma Oyovwi, at the institution’s campus in Warri, Delta State, Thursday April 16, during a press conference held to herald activities of the 21st Convocation ceremony of the school.

Dr. Oyovwi, who acknowledged that on assumption of office, he was confronted with challenges such as limited infrastructure, inadequate student accommodation, gaps in staffing and pressing demands for improved academic standards, stated that through strategic planning, purposeful leadership, and the collective commitment of staff and stakeholders, they have been able to turn many of the challenges into opportunities for growth. 

Whilst stating that the media briefing was not merely a routine engagement, but moment of reflection, accountability and celebration, the renowned academic, averred: “I am filled with a deep sense of privilege and fulfilment, knowing that I have been part of the leadership steering this College through a defining phase in its history.

“As many of you are aware, my tenure as Provost, which began in June 2021, will, by the grace of God, come to an end in June this year. Naturally, this moment invites reflection.

“When I look back on this journey, I see not just the passage of time, but a story of transformation, resilience, collaboration, and steady progress. When I assumed office, I was confronted with numerous challenges, limited infrastructure, inadequate student accommodation, gaps in staffing, and pressing demands for improved academic standards. However, through strategic planning, purposeful leadership, and the collective commitment of staff and stakeholders, we have been able to turn many of these challenges into opportunities for growth. 

“One of the most visible areas of progress has been in infrastructure. With the invaluable intervention of TETFund, the landscape of this College, has been significantly transformed. Today, we have modern classroom blocks, well furnished office complexes, improved laboratory facilities, and functional academic spaces that support effective teaching and learning. 

A cross section of prominent stakeholders in the academic community, during the media parley

“One of the most remarkable transformations has been in the area of student accommodation. Before my administration, the College had no completed on- campus hostel facilities but work-in-progress (PPP Project) initiated by my predecessor, Prof. (Mrs) Mary Edema . Students had to rely on rented accommodations outside the campus, which posed challenges in terms of security, convenience, and academic focus. Today, that narrative has changed completely. 

“We now have multiple hostel facilities within the campus, and in partnership with private investors, facilitated by TETFund, we have completed a state-of-the-art hostel complex capable of accommodating over 1,600 students. By the next academic session, the College will have the capacity to house well over 2,000 students on campus. This is not just an infrastructural achievement, it is a strategic investment in the safety, welfare, and academic success of our students. 

“In addition, staff welfare and productivity have received significant attention. With the completion of modern office complexes, many of our staff now operate in conducive work environments that enhance efficiency and service delivery. Currently, the former School of Arts and Social Sciences, School of General Education, School of Basic Education, School of Vocational Education and a block of five (5) classrooms are being renovated to further boost both staff and students’ academic welfare, courtesy of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND). 

“In the last couple of years, a significant number of staff have bagged doctoral degrees. This was made possible by sponsorship from TETFund and the enabling atmosphere for growth. The quality of the workforce has greatly improved, paving the way for better service delivery. 

“The autonomy granted to the College in the area of staff remuneration has enabled us to recruit qualified personnel to fill critical vacancies, thereby strengthening both our teaching and administrative workforce. This is one area where the governor of our state, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori stands out. Salary and welfare of workers in the state are his top priorities. The M.O.R.E Agenda is really trickling down! In addition, the M.O.R.E Agenda governor has approved the completion of the main administrative building of the College of Education, Warri. 

A cross section of some senior staff of COEWA

“Security, as we all know, is fundamental to any academic environment. Through the support of the NDDC, the installation of streetlights across the campus has greatly improved visibility and safety at night. Members of the College community can now move freely with a greater sense of security. 

“Complementing this, we have invested our internally generated revenue in beautifying the College entrance and reinforcing the perimeter fencing, giving the institution a befitting outlook as a modern centre of learning. 

“On the academic front, I am proud to confidently state that the College has maintained an impressive record of excellence. Since I assumed office in 2021, every accreditation exercise conducted, both for our NCE programmes and degree programmes in affiliation with universities, has been successful. This consistent achievement is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and teamwork of our academic and non-academic staff.

“We have, in essence, maintained a culture of quality assurance, ensuring that our programmes meet and exceed national standards. I therefore assure the general public that the certificates awarded by the College of Education, Warri, are credible, competitive, and nationally recognized. 

“The College is also on the threshold of a major transformation in its academic structure. With the domestication of the Dual Mandate policy by the Delta State Government, Colleges of Education are now positioned to transition into degree awarding institutions while retaining their traditional mandate. 

“In line with this development, a new curriculum has been developed, and we are expecting the National Universities Commission for resource verification. By the next academic session, we are optimistic that the College will commence full implementation of the Dual Mode system. This transition will not only enhance the value of our programmes but also expand opportunities for our students and reposition the College within the higher education landscape. 

“In preparing our students for life beyond the classroom, entrepreneurship education has remained a key priority. Every student of this College is required to undergo compulsory entrepreneurial training before graduation. This initiative is designed to equip our graduates with practical skills for self reliance, innovation, and economic survival in a rapidly changing world. 

“To further strengthen this vision, an Entrepreneurship building, courtesy of TETFund special intervention, is currently under construction. When completed, it will serve as a hub for skills acquisition, innovation, and enterprise development. The College just signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a firm associated with the Federal Government of Nigeria IDEAS/TVET Initiate. All the successful candidates would be certified and given starter pack at the end of the programme. Also, monthly stipends would be paid to all the candidates during the period. 

“In the same spirit of innovation and sustainability, I am pleased to inform you that the College has established the COEWA Table Water Factory. This facility produces high quality, hygienic table water, certified by the Delta State Ministry of Environment and approved by NAFDAC. This initiative not only contributes to our internally generated revenue but also serves the needs of the College community and the public. I encourage everyone to patronize this product. 

“As my tenure gradually comes to an end, I must acknowledge that this administration has enjoyed a remarkable level of peace, stability, and cooperation. The harmonious relationship between management, staff unions, and students has been instrumental in creating an enabling environment for progress. 

“I also consider it a unique honour to be the first Provost appointed from within the system, a development that broke a long-standing barrier. It is my sincere hope that this precedent will continue, encouraging institutional growth and internal capacity development. 

“Let me also assure you that the process for the appointment of a new Provost is already underway. The necessary steps are being taken to ensure a smooth transition, as we are committed to sustaining the progress achieved over the years. 

“At this juncture, I wish to express my profound gratitude to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, for his unwavering support for education and his commitment to staff welfare, including the prompt payment of salaries and implementation of promotions. I also extent my appreciation to the Honourable Commissioner for Higher Education, the Governing Council, Management Team, Staff, and Students for their invaluable contributions.  

“Special recognition goes to individuals and organizations who have supported the College through scholarships and other forms of assistance. Your generosity he made a significant difference in the lives of our students, and we remain deep. grateful. 

“As we look forward to the 21st Combined Convocation Ceremony, a series ! activities have been lined up. The Convocation Lecture will take place tomorrow 17th April, and promises to be intellectually stimulating. This will be followed the Convocation Gala at 2:00pm. The grand finale will be the Award of Certificates to students who have successfully completed their studies, awards to distinguished Deltans and it will hold on Saturday, 18th April, 2026. We warmly invite members of the public, stakeholders, and the media to join us in celebrating this important milestone.  

“The story of College of Education, Warri, is still being written, but it is already a story of resilience, transformation, and hope. We have come a long way, and the future holds even greater promise.”

In his welcome address, the Registrar / Secretary to Council, College of Education, Warri, Afure A. Joe, recalled: “It is worthy to note that the College which was initially established as an Advanced Teachers College in Ihogbe Benin City on 2nd October, 1979 and later moved to the Temporary Site in Warri in 1981 has grown from a humble beginning to what today stands as College of Education, Warri in its permanent site. 

“Within this period, the College had trained numerous and qualified teachers to provide middle level manpower in the Education industry. The College no doubt has taken the bull by the horn in ensuring that standards are not compromised.

“This has been achieved largely due to an array of seasoned and competent professionals that the College parades. 

“Let me use this opportunity to commend our No. 1 personality of the State the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori for assenting to the bill that has empowered the College to award degrees in Education. This no doubt will move the College to greater heights.” 

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