Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has commended the management of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for its role in the development of public tertiary educational institutions in the country, noting that Fund’s insignia is visible in all Beneficiary Institutions across the country. This is even as he sought the support of the Fund for the state’s newly established University of Education and Entrepreneurship.
Governor Otu spoke when he paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono at the Fund’s Headquarters in Abuja recently.
He stated that the new university, which he described as first-of-its-kind in the country was converted from the state-owned College of Education and is expected to train students in practical skills such as bricklaying, welding, carpentry etc.
“We are here today to put it on record that you have been doing well, and we do need your help and support. Nigeria has a very big problem, apart from the fact that other entities and realms have moved beyond in terms of education.
“I said so because we continue to produce thousands of graduates that are not employable, and we also agree that most times, the things that you study in school are not things you practice outside.
“Actually, the College of Education, we are upgrading it to the University of Education and Entrepreneurship. This is going to be the first one in the Country and that is why we are here soliciting genuine and strong support.
“We want every student that goes out of this university to be able to have at least not less than two skills, and he should be able to defend two theses, one in education and the other one in the skills which he has acquired,” he stated.
Also speaking during the visit, Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono commended Governor Otu for his initiative in establishing the specialized university and as well as his efforts in the overall development of the state.
While stating that there was the need for curriculum review and delivery system to ensure that graduates produced in Nigerian institutions not only have requisite skills but become global citizens that can work anywhere in the world.
