… As FUTIA VC represents Education Minister
The Federal Government has commissioned a state-of-the-art Community Learning Centre (CLC) in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State, as part of efforts to reform and rejuvenate Nigeria’s education sector under the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI).
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Tuesday, April 15, the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad, described the centre as a “beacon of hope” and a “foundation for the dreams of generations to come.”
The Minister who was represented by the Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi (FUTIA), Prof. Leo Daniel, said the centre signifies the President’s commitment to education.
“It gives me great pleasure to be here today in the beautiful and historic town of Ikot Abasi to commission the Community Education Learning Centre — a landmark project that not only represents progress in infrastructure but more importantly signifies our shared commitment to education, empowerment, and sustainable community development,” she said.
The Centre will serve multiple purposes, including digital literacy, training, youth empowerment, adult education, and skills acquisition — in line with the NESRI pillars, with focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), STEM education, and girl-child education.
While highlighting the Federal Government’s plans to empower over 650,000 youths with digital and vocational skills over the next two years, the Minister announced that President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR had approved the release of N120 Billion to advance the TVET agenda nationwide.
“In an effort to expand its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) agenda, the Ministry is set to introduce incentives to attract young Nigerians with monthly stipends, starter packs, and take-off grants,” Professor Ahmad said.
She urged the people of Ikot Abasi to take ownership of the centre and leverage its resources. “Let this place produce scholars, innovators, artisans, teachers, and leaders who will make you proud.”
The Minister acknowledged the support of the Akwa Ibom State Government and stakeholders who played key roles in bringing the project to fruition.
“Let me begin by appreciating the unwavering support of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno for his visionary leadership… I also extend my heartfelt commendation to the stakeholders, local leaders, educators, and community members who have contributed in no small measure,” she noted.
Prof. Ahmad reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to bridging gaps in infrastructure, increasing access to education, especially for the girl-child, and ensuring inclusive learning for all.
“This centre stands as a model of what collaboration and purposeful governance can achieve•••May this centre be a blessing to Ikot Abasi and a symbol of a new dawn in education in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria as a whole.”
Earlier, the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education, Prof. Simon Akpama, lauded the Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu, saying the centre is a proactive response to eradicating illiteracy, promoting quality inclusive education, providing dynamic and viable economic empowerment avenues for vulnerable youth across Nigeria.
He commended the Federal Ministry of Education, Nigeria led by the Honourable Minister, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa and the Minister of State Counterpart, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad for graciously providing the requisite resources and conducive environment for the establishment of the Community Learning Centre.
The Commissioner for Education, Akwa Ibom State Government, Prof. Ubong Umoh, commended the Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education for making concerted efforts towards eradicating illiteracy in the country, creating opportunities for skills acquisition and improving the human capital index.
Goodwill messages were presented by stakeholders of the community including Senator Udoma Udo Udoma – facilitator of the project to the area who was represented by Elder Usen Uko as well as the Chairman of Ikot Abasi L.G.A, Hon. Ime Williams, among others.
The event featured cutting of the Commissioning Tape, formal registration and enrollment of Learners at the Centre as well as tour of the facility led by the Minister.
