…as Obua makes case for institution’s establishment
Abuja—A bill for an act seeking the establishment of Federal College of Education Elebele-Ogbia, Bayelsa State came under public hearing in the House of Representatives on Thursday in Abuja.
Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, while declaring the one-day public hearing open, reiterated that the importance of education and teachers in society cannot be overemphasized.
Gbajabiamila, who was represented by the Deputy House Leader, Hon. Peter Akpatason, said the establishment of more academic institutions will seriously address the educational needs of the growing mass of students-population, adding that public hearings engender acceptability of laws.
Chairman of the House Committee on Tertiary Education and Services, Dr Aminu Suleiman, represented by his deputy Hon Fatu Mohammed, in his welcome remarks, promised stakeholders that their inputs will be carefully studied and will be given due consideration.
Hon Azibapu Fred Obua, Member representing Ogbia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and sponsor of the bill stated that the establishment of the proposed institution will, amongst others, enhance the training and retraining of professional teachers.
The lawmaker averred that the establishment of the school will engender employment opportunities and productively engage the minds of youths who most times are not admitted into the tertiary institutions due to inadequate admission spaces and academic Institutions.
He noted that there is no federal college of education in Bayelsa state operated by either the federal or state government.
Obua who is also the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Information and National Orientation further stated that the choice of Elebele community as host to the proposed institution is based on its proximity and easy accessibility to other parts of the state.
“Another reason is because of Elebele’s proximity to security formations and the presence of social amenities and other facilities needed for immediate take-off,” he said.
The lawmaker called for prompt passage of the bill and expressed gratitude to the house committee and various stakeholders for their favourable actions and inputs.
The paramount ruler of Elebele, HRH, King Osene David Osene, Ogbolo XI, who presented a memorandum on behalf of the community to the presiding chairman expressed the readiness of his people to host the institution.
He said the community and its environs are hospitable and peaceful with a huge population, landmass, electricity, water, market and health facility.
He equally commended Obua for sponsoring the bill and urged him to continue to effectively represent the Ogbia people in the Green Chamber.
Representatives of relevant governmental agencies, professional educational bodies and other critical stakeholders such as Dr. Akpokabowei Oweisana, Vice Chairman, South-South zone of Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, COEASU, also made presentations in favour of the Federal College of Education Elebele, Ogbia, Bayelsa establishment bill.