BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU
Delta State Commissioner for Secondary Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, has underscored the critical role of education in driving societal progress and innovation in tertiary institutions. She made the statement during a two-day Summit on “Alternative Funding for Tertiary Institutions,” held on December 3, 2024, at Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba.
The Summit brought together, policy makers, education stakeholders and experts to discuss innovative and sustainable solutions for financing higher education.
In a keynote address, She highlighted the increasing strain on tertiary institutions due to limited public funding, emphasizing the urgent need for alternative financing mechanisms. Ezewu called for the strategic use of Delta State’s abundant human and natural resources to sustain academic excellence, proposing potential solutions such as public-private partnerships, alumni contributions, endowments, and international collaborations to secure the financial stability of the state’s educational institutions.
“This summit is a testament to our shared belief that education is a public good demanding collective investment,” Mrs. Ezewu said, commending the organizers and participants for prioritizing the issue. She expressed confidence that the deliberations would serve as a catalyst for transforming the educational landscape in Delta State.
She stressed that investing in education is investing in the future, as she emphasized the need to create actionable frameworks that ensure the sustainability of tertiary education, positioning Delta State as a leader in academic innovation and excellence.
She reaffirmed her vision for tertiary institutions as centers of excellence and innovation. She noted that the summit’s outcome is expected to chart a new path for the state’s higher education system, ensuring that they remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy.
