Governor
Adams Oshiomhole says education must top the list of priority of
government at all levels in the country, adding that government must
always strive to ensure that schools are shut down, no matter what.
Speaking
at the 20th Convocation ceremony of the Ambrose Alli University,
Oshiomhole said when Nigerian schools are shut, those in other countries
remain open and students from shut Nigerian schools are expected to
compete on the same level with their peers from other climes where
schools remain open.
He said: "there are many universities
that are on strike, and ASUU has cleverly reversed the conventional
adage or even law which says, ‘no work, no pay’. Now, ASUU finds
themselves having to now say, ‘no pay, no work’.
“As we speak,
I am sure there are a number of universities that are not working
because the states have not paid them, and also I am aware of reported
cases of some state governments saying straight away to the universities
that they are not going to be able to pay more than a fraction of the
subvention that they have been paying on account of the current economic
challenges. For me, I am clear that if the Nigerian state defaults in
every aspect of its obligation to the people, the Nigerian state,
federal and state governments, must never default in its obligation to
ensuring that teaching and learning never stop.
“The truth is,
Nigeria must reorder its priorities. We must never allow our
educational institutions to close down. Closing down by one minute will
cost us more than one year of our GDP because every time we stop
learning, as Obama would say, 'when we go so low, they continue to go so
high'. And yet, we are expected to compete on the level playing field."
He
assured that the incoming administration in the state would consolidate
on his current achievements, "If I haven't kept the last pledge, there
is nothing wrong with it because the government has not come to an end.
Conscious of these unending commitments, that was why in our last
campaign, we spoke to continuity and consolidation. So, the next
government must consolidate on what I am already doing and continue to
do even more, including keeping promises that I made in good faith but
which I may not have been able to deliver timely, but those promises
must be delivered, and these will be in my hand-over note."
Governor
Oshiomhole urged the university authorities do things differently and
manage its resources prudently without giving room for wastage and
leakages, "The future that I see, the growth and development of
universities will not be based on the generosity of a state governor
because nobody knows when we are going to get out of where we are in.
The challenges are mounting. The government needs to provide a variety
of public services at a time of declining revenue. In the short run,
there will be no quick fix. So, the university must be creative.
“This
university will grow not courtesy of miracles. It will grow on the
basis of determined efforts by management, staff and students to do
things differently, to cut wastes, not employing those you don't need.
Don't take employment from traditional rulers, from governors,
commissioners when you don't need them. Employ more of academic staff
and less of non-academic because this is a place for teaching and
learning. Invest more in research which is only possible if you invest
in equipment and laboratory. We must get it right. In keeping an
institution alive, the emphasis is not on more money coming in, it is
also about blocking leakages and managing more wisely."
Earlier,
Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof Ignatius Onimawo paid glowing
tribute to Governor Adams Oshiomhole for his invaluable contributions to
the development of the university. He said, "I cannot end this address
without glowing tributes for the tremendous support the university
received from the Comrade Governor and the Government of Edo State. The
massive interventions of the State Government under the leadership of
the Comrade Governor are eloquently manifested in the number of projects
that were built from government intervention funds/grants. Undeniably,
the Comrade Governor has boldly etched his name in gold letters in the
sands of times of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma."
Prof
Onimawo continued, "We appeal to the Governor-Elect, Mr. Godwin Obaseki
to keep alive the spirit of avowed commitment of the Comrade Governor
with a view to lifting Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma to a higher level
of accomplishments and global ranking."
According to the Vice
Chancellor, 8,692 diploma, and first-degree students graduated for the
2013/2014 and 2014/2015 academic sessions, while 492 postgraduates will
be conferred with their awards for the two academic sessions.
Also
speaking, the Chancellor, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, HRH Alhaji
(Dr) Yahaya Abubakar, Etsu Nupe commended Governor Oshiomhole for his
development of the institution. He said, "Under your dynamic leadership
of Edo State, the strides attained by the university in terms of
physical infrastructural transformation and development are highly
commendable. You remain the great and compelling force behind the
success of this university. Words are inadequate to express our
gratitude to you, sir. As your tenure as Comrade Governor of Edo State
comes to an end shortly, it is my prayer that the almighty Allah
continues to guide, protect and bless you in all your future
endeavours."
The university awarded doctorate, masters,
postgraduate diplomas and first degrees to deserving graduates while an
honorary doctorate degree in business administration was awarded to the
chairman, Channels Media Group, Mr. John Momoh.
Govt must not joke with with education, says Oshiomhole [photos]
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So u know education is good yet u increased AAU's school fee abi
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