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As Stakeholders Brainstorm On Strategic Roadmap
BY PATRICK MGBODO/ CHIKA KWAMBA
THE Delta State Government, yesterday, took a giant leap towards repositioning technical education in the state, so as to align it with global standards and future demands in line with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda.
To this end, the Ministry of Technical Education, led by the Commissioner, Hon. Smart Ufoh, commenced a two-day workshop to develop a strategic roadmap for technical education in the state.
Addressing stakeholders during the opening session, in Asaba, Ufoh said the initiative is aimed at creating a more skilled, innovative and productive workforce through the proper training of students in technical colleges in the state.
“This, we must begin, by drawing up a roadmap for technical education to meet the present-day demand and beyond”, adding that the roadmap would serve as a guiding document for technical education in the state and also inform the decision-making process.
“I am aware that this exercise is taking place for the first time since the establishment of the Ministry of Technical Education in 2019. This makes the task more strenuous as past reference materials are not available.
‘’In these two days, therefore, we will be drawing from our collective expertise, experiences and perspectives to craft a comprehensive roadmap that addresses the unique challenges and opportunities facing our technical education sector through intense discussions, debates and brainstorming sessions’’ Hon Ufoh said.
Remarking, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof Nyerhovwo Tonukari commended Hon Ufoh for organizing the workshop, underscoring the importance of technical education for Nigeria’s development.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Mrs Rose Ezewu, noted the need for students to go beyond acquiring theoretical knowledge, adding that technical education remains the catalyst for innovation and development.
‘’Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to education. We recognize that technical education is the foundation for job creation self-reliance and sustainable economic development. By focusing on technical education, we empower our youths to become wealth creators rather than job seekers’’ she said.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director of Stratdeck Consulting Limited, Dr Victor Ikem cited China, Germany and other world economies where technical education is given emphasis. ‘’Delta State Government is on the right path under the MORE Agenda.
‘’What we intend to do in this workshop is to mainstream the objectives of technical education in Delta into the objectives of the MORE Agenda to find impactful solutions.
‘’The vision is to have a roadmap that stretches between now and 2030. This is a long-term vision which will also impact on the overall education sector in Delta State’’ Dr Ikem said.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Technical Education, Dr (Mrs) Gloria Patrick- Ferife, commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for approving the workshop, even as she concurred with the position of other speakers.
Others who spoke at the event include the Executive Secretary of the Technical and Education Board (TVEB), Mr Stanley Eruemulor. The event featured four thematic areas undertaken by eminent resource persons.
