By Israel Mbam
Ebonyi State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Donatus Illang, has pledged the State Government’s readiness to partner National Teachers Institute in instilling academic excellence and create more learning centers across the State.
Speaking on Saturday 19th July 2024 at the recent Matriculation of the school’s new intake at Hon. Victor Nwoke NTI learning center, Izzi Unuhu Secondary School Abakaliki LGA. The Commissioner praised the initiative of attracting and establishing the centre. He noted that the program aligns with the governor’s investment in education.
“This effort complements the governor’s vision to put Ebonyi on the global education, security, and agricultural map,”.
On her part on behalf of the NTI Director General, Dr. Angela Ekwutosi Ozibo, the Field Operations and Quality Assurance Department, welcomed the new students, describing their admission as a milestone.
“We urge you to be dedicated and committed to excellence. Our staff are ready to support your academic journey,” she said.
The NTI State Coordinator, Mr. Nicolas Ugwu, reiterated the institute’s commitment to providing quality training for teachers and improving access to professional education across Nigeria.
The sponsor of the centres who is the member representing Abakaliki North Constituency in Ebonyi State House of Assembly, and Chairman, House Committee on Youth Development and Sports, Dr. Victor Nwoke, thanked the management of the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), Kaduna, for accepting to approve the Hon. Victor Nwoke study centre, at Izhi Unuphu Community Secondary School
Hon. Dr. Nwoke expressed appreciation to Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for creating an enabling environment for lawmakers to serve their people effectively. He described the governor as a visionary leader whose policies under the People’s Charter of Needs have inspired grassroots development.
In his words, “I am happy with what is happening today. This initiative was made possible by the support of our performing governor who gave me the platform to serve my people at the State House of Assembly.”
He explained that he facilitated the establishment of the NTI study centre in the constituency and paid over four million naira (#4,000000) to cover the current session’s tuition fees for over 50 students, with a promise of continuous sponsorship until their graduation.
Dr Nwoke adds that the centre aims to provide an academic path for school dropouts and adults seeking to qualify as professional teachers.
“Many who had dropped out of school are now back to learning. With commitment, some of them could become professors tomorrow,” he stated.
Hon. Nwoke explained that he personally travelled to NTI headquarters in Kaduna to secure approval for the centre, emphasizing its potential to raise the education standard in the area.
Chairman of the event and Commissioner for Border Peace and Conflict Resolution, Prof. Paul Nwobashi, commended Hon. Victor Nwoke for what he described as bold steps in supporting education, agriculture, and security. He urged the students to stay disciplined and committed to their studies, and called on the local security personnel to maintain professionalism and uphold peace in their respective communities.
In their goodwill messages, Traditional ruler of Izhi Unuphu Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Nwoba Nwangbo, Special Assistant to the Governor on Project Maintenance, Comrade Ben Nwovu, Abakaliki Local Government APC Chairman, Chief Paulinus Atam, and Town Union President General, Comrade Isaiah Ofunte, lauded Hon. Victor Nwoke’s performance and endorsed him for a second term.
The event commenced with a novelty football match between the Izhi people and their Ezza counterparts in commemoration of the Okeaku (New Yam Festival) of the Ezza Ezekunna clan, drawing large crowds and promoting unity between the communities.
