Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu has reiterated the Federal Government’s position to make colleges of education in the country more attractive and result-oriented through staff welfare.
Adamu, who was represented by the ministry’s Director of Finance and Account, Eddy Nwokeye, made the call at the weekend, during the 31st and 32nd convocation ceremony of the Federal College of Education, (FCE) Eha-Amufu, Enugu State.
He added that a college of education is critical and central in our educational development and should be adequately funded to enhance the production of quality teachers that will be capable of confronting the challenges in the sector.
“There is no doubt that Nigeria has a teeming population of youths who seek admission in the country’s tertiary institutions, but, majority of them prefer to enroll into universities than a college of education. Government is aware of this and will do everything within its reach to make colleges of education more viable, productive and attractive to admission seekers.
“Let me assure you that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari will ensure that staff welfare in colleges of education and other institutions of higher learning will be given priority attention, in view of actualising the dream of producing teachers with functional academic background for knowledge transfer to the younger generation,” the minister said.
Earlier, in his convocation address, the Provost, Prof. Benjamin Ndubuisi Mbah said that the college honoured five eminent Nigerians and one international figure who have distinguished themselves in various fields of human endeavors.
Prof. Mbah said that the recipients of the Fellowship of the College were Senator Sam Ominiyi Egwu, Senator Gilbert Nnaji, Senator Sunny Ogbuoji, Anglican Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Rt. Rev. Aloysius Eze Agbo (JP), Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Umudike, Prof. Hillary Edeoga, former and President, BOT, ICT University, Baton Rouge USA, Professor Victor W. Mbarika.
Prof. Mbah noted that the college, since the inception of his administration, has made giant strides in the areas of infrastructural development, security, ICT, students welfare and staff development.
Highlight of the convocation ceremony was the commissioning of the college E-Learning Library, a newly-completed hostel block, primary education building, 750 multi-purpose hall and ICT building