Fubara Advocates Greater Focus on Technical Education

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has called for greater national investment in technical and vocational education, warning that Nigeria’s excessive focus on university degrees is undermining the development of practical skills needed for self-reliance and economic growth.

Governor Fubara made the call on Wednesday while inaugurating the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic Entrepreneurship Centre and Faculty of Engineering Building at Rumuola in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area.

He said the Entrepreneurship Centre was designed to equip students with business and vocational skills that would enable them to become productive and self-reliant rather than depending solely on government employment.

The governor urged the management, staff and students of the institution to safeguard the newly completed facilities against vandalism and theft, stressing that the projects belong to the people and must be protected.

Fubara also appealed to Rivers residents to sustain the prevailing peace in the state, noting that the peaceful atmosphere had enabled his administration to concentrate on projects with direct benefits to the people.

According to him, meaningful development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and stability.

“There is every need for everyone to abide by this peace. Without peace, we will not be here to inaugurate this project,” the governor said.

He added that his administration remained committed to delivering impactful projects that would stand the test of time and be remembered by future generations for their contribution to the development of Rivers State.

The governor thanked the people of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area for their continued support, describing the council as special to him and assuring residents of sustained government attention.

Earlier, Chairman of the institution’s Governing Council, Hon. Hope Ikiriko, commended Governor Fubara for his commitment to improving infrastructure at the polytechnic.

Ikiriko described the newly inaugurated projects as a major boost to the growth and development of the institution and appealed to the governor to conclude the recruitment of 150 academic staff initiated in 2024, as well as approve the employment of an additional 200 academic and technical personnel.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peter Nwagor, praised the governor for ensuring the prompt release of funds that facilitated the successful completion of the projects.

He disclosed that the projects, awarded on October 9, 2024, were completed within nine months and included two fully furnished one-storey buildings containing classrooms, workshops and staff offices for the School of Engineering and the Entrepreneurship Centre, as well as the furnishing of the institution’s Governing Council Building.