By Omoruyi Patricia Osayomore
In a bid to ensure overall sustainable reforms in the education ecosystem, Governor Godwin Obaseki performed the groundbreaking ceremony of the Edo State Education Hub on February 3rd, 2023 at the premises of the old Ministry of Education, Iyaro in Benin City.
The Hub is designed to incorporate state-of-the-art facilities amongst which are the State Ministry of Education, the Universal Basic Education Board, the Board for Technical and Vocational Education Training, the State Secondary Education Board, a 500-seating capacity conference hall, Sporting Field and Green Area, a Primary Health Centre, Quality Assurance Office, playgrounds, restaurants, and cafeteria as well as a basic and a secondary school.
Against the backdrop of the saying that it is easier for governments in Nigeria to build infrastructures than to maintain them, Mr Obaseki restated his administration’s resolve to make a difference in changing the retrogressive culture of non-maintenance of public infrastructures.
He asserted that the Hall of Fame that will be hosted by the Education Hub will be exclusively dedicated to honour teachers, executive principals, and stakeholders who have distinguished themselves in the education sector, emphasising that the innovation would reawaken hope in the next generation and make them aspire to be disciplined and outstanding in their chosen careers.
The Governor assured that the Quality Assurance Office will guarantee a progressive, quality, and relevant education in the conventional and technical areas. He posited that education that is worthwhile is that which can guarantee the survival and wellbeing of its recipient at all times.
In compliance with the administration’s resolve, the Managing Director, Edo State Public Buildings Maintenance Agency, Engr. Austin Osakue, revealed that the construction materials have been specially selected to be durable, recyclable, friendly to the environment, and easy to maintain.
Engr. Osakue analysed the construction design processes to include the conservation of resources like water, energy, materials, and waste. And upon completion, the Education Hub will be a clean and green project.
On maintenance measures, Osakue assured that a proactive approach will be adopted, adding that the Education Hub will be maintained and managed using the Customised Computerised Maintenance Management System (CCMMS), a method specifically developed to ensure the sustainability of its facilities.
The Ossiomo Power Plant will guarantee all round electricity power supply to the facilities in the Education Hub while the internet connectivity around and within the premises will guarantee the seamless flow of information and education contents across the State as the library resources are estimated to be above fifty million titles.
Set to be completed in 16 months, by May, 2024, the Education Hub will be the consolidation of the numerous reforms in the education sector in Edo State by the Governor Godwin Obaseki administration.
