BY PATRICK MGBODO
The Delta State Government has committed to increasing investment in technical colleges across the state and expanding their capacity to address the rising demand for these institutions within available resources.
The Commissioner for Technical Education, Hon. Smart Ufoh disclosed this during his visit to the Model Technical College (MTC) in Asaba, part of his inspection tour of technical colleges across the state.
Addressing journalists during the visit, Hon. Ufoh praised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for prioritizing technical education as outlined in his MORE Agenda, emphasizing that such initiatives open up opportunities beyond traditional white-collar jobs. Hon Ufoh expressed his satisfaction with the ingenuity displayed by students in various departments, encouraging them to do more research, persevere and not be discouraged by economic challenges.
‘’I have come to MTC Asaba to see things for myself and ascertain the level of study, look at the school and what they are doing. Let me first thank Governor Sheriff Oborevowri for the MORE Agenda. My visit here has shown the level of government concern. ‘’The government has invested so much in technical education infrastructure including equipment, classrooms and other facilities. I visited the automobile section where a student fabricated a movable car that is powered by electricity. ‘’I visited the mechanical workshop where I interviewed students of Voc Three who were busy fabricating security doors to my greatest amazement. This government has invested so much in technical education infrastructure and preparing the students for a better tomorrow.
‘’I also visited the electrical department where the students explained so much about the generation and distribution of electricity. The skills they have acquired are enough to speak for them. I came for this visit because very soon, we will embark on a technical fair and so I am here to ascertain the preparedness of the students. So far, I am satisfied’’ he said.
The technical education commissioner also observed the growing population of students in the facility, stressing that the state government would do the best it could to address the resultant challenges within available resources.
‘’I want to assure you that the state government has awarded the contract for the construction of more chairs for all the Model Technical Colleges in the state. Soon, we will embark on the distribution of these chairs for a more conducive learning environment’’ the commissioner said.
During the exercise, Hon Ufoh particularly commended and awarded the student who constructed the electric car, Gabriel Ikechukwu and other exceptional students from other departments as well as their tutors.