March 14, (THEWILL) – Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering quality education through the A.S.S.U.R.E.D Prosperity Agenda, emphasizing the importance of science and technology in shaping the state’s future.
Speaking on Thursday at the Annual Founders’ Day Celebration of Government Secondary School (GSS) Odi, held at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall, Yenagoa, Diri, who was represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, described the event’s theme—Exploring Science and Technological Innovations for Sustainable Social and Political Development—as timely and in alignment with his government’s vision for the education sector.
He stated that his administration places a high premium on science and technology-based education to develop the critical manpower needed to drive industrialization and sustainable economic growth.
“To achieve this, we have established and equipped more technical and vocational schools and will prioritize the employment of more science teachers once we resume the suspended teachers’ recruitment process,” Diri said.
On the recent cancellation of a teacher recruitment exercise, the governor explained that it failed to follow due process, necessitating a fresh, properly executed process to align with his administration’s objectives for the education sector.
“As a government, we are deliberately shifting our educational focus towards science and technology, particularly in areas such as engineering and mathematics. This is a strategic move, and we are achieving it by increasing the number of science-based institutions and teachers,” he said.
He also noted that the state had established a Teachers’ Registration Council, a Teachers’ Inspectorate Unit, and the PRIME programme to monitor teachers’ classroom performance.
“The State Executive Council approved the employment of 995 teachers to address specific shortages in subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Computer Science,” he added.
Diri commended the GSS Odi Alumni Association for giving back to their alma mater and encouraged other alumni groups to play an active role in fostering moral discipline among students.
Chairman of the occasion and Vice Chancellor of the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Prof. Solomon Ebobrah, emphasised the importance of alumni associations in supporting their former institutions.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Exploring Science and Technological Innovations for Sustainable Social and Political Development, Prof. Franklin Osaisai, a former Director General of the Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission, underscored the critical role of science and technology in national development.
He noted that there is a strong correlation between a country’s development and its advancements in science and technology, warning that Nigeria’s aspirations for national security and sustainable growth would remain a mirage without improved power generation and technological progress.
“For Nigeria to transition from being a mere exporter of raw materials to an industrialized economy, power generation must be significantly increased to meet both industrial and domestic demands,” he added.
In his welcome address, the National Chairman of the GSS Odi Alumni Association, Dr. Ebikisei Udisi, said funds raised at the event would be used for the construction of a new science laboratory, renovation of dilapidated structures, and improvement of sports facilities.
The Chief Launcher, High Chief Victor Wayles Egukawhore of De Wayles Group of Companies, donated N20 million to the association and urged members to remain steadfast in their efforts to promote quality education in Odi and beyond.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
