Minister of education, Tahir Mamman, has urged the newly established Federal College of Education, Ofeme to serve as a beacon of academic excellence in nurturing educators who will positively influence the future of the country.
Mamman made the appeal while speaking during the official take-over of the site of the college in Ofeme Ohuhu in Umuahia local government area which was provided by the Abia State government.
Represented by the director of colleges of education department in the ministry, Uchenna Uba, he said the event was a milestone in the commitment of the government to the development and enhancement of the education sector in the country.
“This initiative underscores the president’s unwavering commitment to realising the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration and revitalising the teaching profession in Nigeria.
“It is anticipated that this milestone will significantly contribute to delivering high-quality education and promoting intellectual advancement not only within the state but also across the entire nation,” he said.
Accompanied by the pioneer chairman of the governing council of the college, Rabia Hussaini Adamu, he appreciated the state government for the provision of site covering about 25.1 hectares. In an address, Governor Alex Otti assured that the government would partner the management of the college to make it a model of excellence in the South East.
Represented by the commissioner for education, Uche Eme-Uche, he said: “We are very willing to do everything within our power to see that this institution serves the purpose for which it has been established.”
“Our expectation is that the siting of this institution here will attract investors to take advantage of the emerging opportunities in this part of our state capital.
“One promise I can volunteer today is that we shall never shirk in our responsibility to support the college administration to make this institution a great citadel of learning.”
Earlier, the pioneer provost of the college, Titus Ezeme, said the event marked the beginning of a new era in the educational landscape of the state and indeed the country.
He said: “In the words of Nelson Mandela, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’ This timeless truth resonates deeply with our mission today.”
The provost expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Alex Otti, the minister, the mayor of the area, Victor Ikeji, and the host community for the actualization of the college despite the challenges encountered.
“To the initiator of this noble project, Ikechi Emenike, your foresight and determination have laid the foundation for a bright future for countless young minds. Your relentless advocacy and dedication to this cause will always be remembered and celebrated.
President general of the community, Raymond Onyinyechi, in an address read by Obioma Oburuoga, thanked former president Muhammadu Buhari, his education minister, Adamu Adamu, and Emenike for initiating the project.
