By Edebor Esther I.
The administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki in Edo State has witnessed tremendous improvement in the education sector especially with the birth of the EdoBEST Programme and its attendant initiatives of the prominence accorded technology in the teaching and learning transactions across all levels of education in the State.
Predicated upon the various initiatives are testimonies of outstanding performances and ratings of resident pupils and students in global standard academics as well as in notable external examinations nationwide.
In several fora, the State Government through its Ministry of Education, had called for concerted effortsto raise the bar and be committed to sustaining the feats already attained through progressive collaborations, sponsorships, stakeholders’ engagements, amongst others.
Such clarion call was heeded by some formidable partners who are giants in the Oil and Gas Industry including Oil and Gas Nigeria Ltd., Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC), LUKOIL, Chevron, which collectively donated a range of educationmaterials to enhance quality of teaching and learning in the State. The donations to three schools namely:Itohan Girls Grammar, Niger College and Edo College,include desktop computers, printers, projectors, science laboratory equipment and textbooks.
Receiving the items at the event which held at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Joan Oviawe, represented by the Ag. Director, Shared Services, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Patience Ogedegbe, expressed gratitude to the partners and promised that the education materials will be put into judicious.
Dr. Oviawe admonished the Executive Principals and staff of the benefiting schools to ensure that the purpose for which the items were given is achieved by ensuring that learners have access to the education materials and tools in order to be benefited optimally. The Commissioner expressed optimism for further collaboration with partners in order to consistentlyadvance the education landscape in the State.
Earlier, the (post humus) Chairman of Oil and Gas Nigeria Limited (ONG), Reggie Uduhiri, represented by the Programme Coordinator of ONG, Funmi Amodu said, ”Our Company is committed to ensuring that Nigerians acquire the necessary education and skills for upliftment and better empowerment in the future. The materials donated today reflect our belief that education and skill acquisition are pivotal to the sustainable development of our Country. Our expectation is that this empowerment programme will positively impact the academic performance of our young people”.
On the part of Director of Deepwater and PSC, Star Ultra Deep Petroleum Limited, M. L. Pflueger, represented by the Area Manager West, Policy, Government, and Public Affairs, Mr. RewaneMomodu, he appreciated the State Government for its support in making the day a success. According to him, “This donation will no doubt assist in high-grading teaching and learning and empowering students of the three schools in overcoming future challenges as may be associated with the use of technology.“
The Chief Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment, Management Services Ltd., Mr. Bala Wunti, stated, “I am delighted to be part of this venture executed by NNPCL and other Partners. We believe in NNPC Upstream Investment, Management Services that qualitative education is the bedrock of national development. It has been the driving force of continuous investment in the sector. I strongly agree that quality education is almost impossible without good learning materials and well-equipped teachers, hence we are constantly committed to improving the lives of Nigerians in achieving this, and we are continually opened to partnerships that facilitate the attainment of this commitment. Our pride will be to see students from this State grow up to be internationally recognized stars. I urge the benefiting teachers and students to make the most of these materials”.
As Edo State stands on the threshold of educational transformation, this partnership sets a remarkable example of how the public and private sectors can collaborate to create better opportunities for students. The donations mark a significant stride towards bridging educational gaps and equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in an increasingly competitive world which is dominated with technology.
