The Provost, College of Education, Warri, Dr. Dickson Onowakpoma Oyovwi(JP) delivering his address at the ceremony on Saturday.
By Samuel Ogude
College of Education, Warri, in Warri South LGA, Delta State, has marked its 21st combined Convocation ceremony for the award of NCE certificates for 2022/2023 to 2024/2025 academic session.
The programme which took place in Prof. A.C. Unomah Hall in the school, attracted dignitaries from all walks of life especially academic community. In his remarks, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori said with the 46th years of the institution’s existence, it has displayed academic excellence, steady growth and manpower development.
His words:” The contributions of the school in consistently training and equipping teachers and educators who are raising the next generation of teachers cannot be qualified in monetary terms. According to Governor Oborevwori who was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for higher education, Delta State, Prof. Nyerohwo Tornukari said, part of the More Agenda of his administration is to ensure qualitative and functional education, hence, his signing into law, the Delta Colleges of Education law, 2025 that would enable Colleges of Education offer Nigeria College of Education (NCE) and Degree programmes at the same time.
The Provost, Dr. Dickson Onowakpoma Oyovwi(JP) (middle front row) and others at the ceremony
His words:” This dual mandate will engender higher students’ enrollment, boost staff’s capacity, improve academic standards and attract better funding to these institutions.” He thanked members of both the previous and current Governing Council, Management and staff of the school for job well done just as he congratulated the graduating students for their successful graduation and their parents for supporting their children that saw their success.
Earlier in his address, the Provost, College of Education Warri, Dr. Dickson Onowakpoma Oyovwi(JP) said, since the institution was established many years ago, it has continued to grow in leaps and bounds though, not without some challenges of internal revenue and rising overhead cost at a time due to sharp drop of students enrolments but by help of TETfund and others, a two storey academic complex comprising class rooms and offices came on board, renovation of the college ICT block, a new hostel project under the Special High Impact Intervention, among others.
According to the Provost, despite the progress made so far, the school still needs more support. While expressing gratitude to Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori for supporting the institution in various ways especially for the domestication of the Dual Mandate policy in Delta State colleges of Education which has positioned the institution to award both Nigeria Certificate in Education and Bachelor’s degree in Education, he however, appealed to him to review the subvention allocated to the college upward to enable it meet up its financial challenges.
L-R: One of the awardees, Mrs. Justina Baire (4th), Provost, Dr. Dickson Onowakpoma Oyovwi(JP) 5th) & others at the ceremony
His words:” However, your Excellency, the implementation of the Dual Mandate policy comes with increased institutional responsibilities. It requires expansion in academic facilities, laboratories, library resources, ICT infrastructure, and additional manpower. As we speak, the National Universities Commission is expected to visit the college for resource verification in preparation for the commencement of our degree programmes… this will greatly assist in meeting our increasing expenses…”
The Provost also appreciated Governor Oborevwori for the welfare of civil servants for prompt payment of salaries, increments and settlement of promotional arrears which have boosted staff’s morale and productivity. He however, appealed to the Governor Oborevwori to come the aid of institution with proper drainage system as rainy season approaches as the school is flooded, and characterized with potholes and stagnant water. His words:” During the rainy season, movement within the college premises becomes extremely difficult due to flooding, potholes and stagnant water.”
Some Chiefs (front row ) at the ceremony
Dr Oyovwi also expressed gratitude to the Delta State Governor for his continued support just as he appealed for him to assist the institution to have modern, well equipped health centre and ambulance for quicker and more effective health emergency response. His words:” Your Excellency, being aware of the importance of health and safety of our staff and students, we recognize that college needs a modern, well equipped health centre and ambulance for quicker and more effective health emergency response.”
He expressed gratitude to God Almighty who has made it possible for him to preside over the second Convocation as the 6th Provost of the institution. He thanked the Governing Council which is led by Hon. (Mrs) Shola Ogbemi -Daibo, the Management Team, Deans Directors, Heads of Departments and the entire staff for their support just as he appealed for continued support to sustain the present tempo of growth.
Some of the graduating students at the ceremony
His words:” With the continued support of the government, dedication of our staff, and the brilliance of our students, the College of Education, Warri, will continue to stand tall as a beacon of teacher education and academic excellence in Delta State and beyond.”
To the graduating students, they should be good ambassadors of the college. His words:” You are ambassadors of this great institution. Let the knowledge you have acquired here guide you as you contribute meaningfully to the society.” He also thanked parents of the graduating students for supporting their children which has made it possible for them to graduate.
In her welcome address, the Chairman, Governing Council, College of Education, Warri, Hon. (Mrs.) Shola Ogbemi Daibo said, the convocation is a celebration of resilience, excellence and enduring power of education. According to her, the institution has remained a beacon of teacher education in the state and beyond as it has helped to shape minds, build character and has continued to contribute to meaningfully to national development. She expressed joy to be part of the story of growth and transformation of the institution.
Faces of some of attendees at the ceremony
She thanked, on behalf of Governing Council, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori for his support for the college in various ways, her fellow council members, the Management led by the Provost, Dr. Dickson Onowakpoma Oyovwi for good synergy between the Governing Council and Management – which has given room for a stable and productive environment that enhances academic growth.
The highlight of the convocation was the presentation of awards to personalities in the society including the Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, Mrs. Justina Baire Kpedi, the Co-founder of Wetland Microfinance Bank and Director of branches of Wetland Hotels in Nigeria,and certificates for the graduates amid cheers.