In a bid to ensure a desirable learning environment in higher institutions in Delta state, the state Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has pledged his administration’s determination to build befitting hostels for the College of Education, Warri.
He also iterated that all illegal structures defacing the environment in the state would be pulled down to achieve the the state government‘s on-going cleanliness campaign.
Governor Uduaghan, who during the 19th Convocation Ceremony of the College of Education, Warri, decried students‘ present living condition in shanty-like hostels, commended the State Commissioner for Environment, Chief Frank Omare for the prompt removal of caravans and other illegal structures in Edjeba where the College is located.
He however enjoined the private sector to cooperate with government to achieve this as, according to him “government alone cannot do it” but expressed government’s determination to build befitting hostels for the students before the end of his tenure.
“I feel sad that students of this college are living in shanties, human beings should not live in such places because they are breeding ground for armed robbery and prostitution and that is not what we want for our students. Government will build hostels for students and private individuals should also help. My administration will build some hostels for the College of Education, Warri before we leave office and move the students out of these shanty-like hostels.
“Recently, when I passed through Edjeba, I was not pleased with what I saw and I told the Commissioner to rid the area of the caravans and other illegal structures defacing the environment in the area and as I was coming into the College today, I am very happy with what I saw.”
Dr. Uduaghan who urged owners of caravans and other illegal structures in the state to remove them immediately in their own interest said “the state government will not spare anybody defacing the environment, we will prosecute you if you fail to remove these illegal structures and if we have to remove them on our own, you will be fined by the state government, so do not allow government to remove them for you.”
While stressing the need for quality teacher education in the country, Governor Uduaghan said that; “Teacher education is the key to the success of any educational system and the state government will continue to encourage quality teacher education as part of our human capital development. Whatever we are spending on education in the state is not wasted.”
He therefore assured workers in the state who were experiencing difficulties in getting their salaries that they would soon smile as the challenges were being tackled and would soon be resolved.
