L-R: Provost, College of Education, Warri, Dr. Dickson Onowakpoma (middle) flanked by other Management staff of the school during Press briefing on Thursday
By Samuel Ogude
The Provost, College of Education Warri, in Warri South Local Government Area, Dr. Dickson Onowakpoma Oyovwi said his administration which has made the institution to experience speedy growth in all areas is a result of strategic planning, purposeful leadership and the collective commitment of staff and stakeholders.
Dr. Oyovwi stated this today, Thursday while briefing the press on the achievements of the institution so far under his administration- which form part of the activities lined up to mark the 21 convocation of the institution.
According to the Provost, when he assumed office in June 2021, he was confronted with many challenges which included limited infrastructure, inadequate students’ accommodation,gaps in staffing and pressing demands for improved academic standards but today, these challenges have been put to rest. The Provost recounted his achievements to include the area of infrastructure which saw the school have modern classroom blocks, well-furnished office complexes, improved laboratory facilities and functional academic spaces adding that, these were possible through TETFund.
His words:” One of the most visible areas of progress has been in infrastructure. With the invaluable intervention of TETfund, the landscape of this college has been significantly transformed…” According to Dr. Oyovwi, other areas of transformation are students’ accommodation- which earlier posed challenges to students, improvement on staff welfare which saw many bag Doctorate degrees, recruitment of qualified personnel to strengthen both teaching and administrative work force and improvement on security of the school – which have given room to productivity.
Other areas of improvement include: the beatification of the college’s entrance and enforcement of the school fence, the installation of streetlights across campus which have improved visibility and safety of students on campus; the establishment of COEWA Table Water Factory to produce high quality and hygienic water, certified by Delta State Ministry of Environment and Approved by NAFDAC, among others.
On academic front, the Provost said, since he assumed office, all programmes both NCE and affiliated Universities accreditation have been successful, the achievements he said, were due to teamwork and efforts of both academic and non- academic staff.
His words:” I am proud to confidently state that, the college has maintained an impressive record of excellence…. Every accreditation exercise conducted, both for our NCE programme and degree programmes in affiliation with Universities, have been successful. This consistent achievement is a testament to the dedication, hard-work, and teamwork of our academic and non-academic staff.”
The Provost said, the institution is to witness threshold of a major transformation in its academic structure as with the domestication of the Dual Mandate policy by the Delta State Government, Colleges of Education are now qualified to award degree while they retain their traditional mandate.
According to him, based on this, a new curriculum has been developed and any moment from now, National Universities Commission(NUC) is to visit the school for resource verification adding, by the next academic session, it is hoped that the institution would commence full implementation of the Dual Mode system- the transition which would enhance the value of the institution’s programmes and give more opportunities for students and reposition the institution within the higher education landscape.
Faces of those in attendance at press briefing on Thursday
Dr. Oyovwi said, in the preparation of the students of the school for life beyond the classroom, entrepreneurship education is a key priority as every student of the school is required to undergo compulsory Entrepreneurship Training before graduation. According to him, this programme is meant to equip them with practical skills which would make them rely on themselves, be innovative and empowered economically in the ever changing world.
The Provost said that the appointment of new Provost is underway and assured whoever would take over from him would be a person that would build on the achievements he has so far made. His words:” Let me also assure you that the process for the appointment of a new Provost is already underway. The necessary steps are being taken to ensure a smooth transition as we are committed to sustaining the progress achieved over the years.”
The Provost used the opportunity to thank TETfund intervention for its support, NDDC for its support, individuals and other organizations for their support in one way or the other especially Honorable Commissioner for higher education, Delta State, the Governing Council of the school, Management staff and students. He also expressed gratitude to the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for his support for education, his commitment to staff welfare, prompt payment of salaries and implementation of promotion.
Earlier in his welcome address, the registrar/ Secretary to Council of the school, Afure A. Joe said, the college of education which was initially established as an Advanced Teachers’ College in Ihogben Benin City on 2nd October 1979 which its Temporary site in Warri in 1981 has grown from a humble beginning to what today stands as College of Education, Warri in its permanent site. He therefore expressed joy for the advancement the college has made so far and thanked the Provost for his leadership quality which made it possible. He also thanked Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, Delta State Governor for assenting to the bill that has empowered the college to award degrees in education.
The programme which was attended by top management staff of the institution, members of Governing Council, and top academics from other institutions, featured questions and answers and appreciation of the Provost by many for the good work done as regards the school’s growth and development.