FG pledges special attention to tertiary institutions' welfare

The Federal Government has promised to accord special attention to infrastructure and staff development in all federal tertiary institutions in the country.

The Minister of Education, Alhaji Adamu Adamu, made the pledge on Saturday in Pankshin, near Jos in Plateau, at the 25th to 33rd convocation ceremony of the Federal College of Education (FCE), Pankshin.

Adamu, who was represented by Prof. Monday Joshua, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), said that what was required of the education sector was to key into various ``change initiatives’’ of the government.

``Evidence shows that the strongest among the education system in the world are those that trained and recruited the best teachers.

``I urge our teacher training institutions to explore and expand the educational offerings that will cater for the all-round formation of their trainees, ’’ he said.

The minister noted that ``the change agenda of the present administration will be highly successful if the teachers we produce, especially for primary and junior secondary levels are excellent ’’.

He stated that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration was committed to rebuilding the economy and restoring public confidence in government, ``in spite of the global economic recession affecting the nation''.

While congratulating the graduands, the minister charged them not to rest on their oars.

``You must strive to acquire more knowledge to better your lots and add more feathers to your cap,'' he said

Also speaking, Plateau Governor Mr Simon Lalong appealed to the Federal Government to enlist institutions being upgraded into Universities of Education.

Lalong, who was represented by his deputy, Prof. Sonny Tyeoden, argued that facilities and manpower were available, ``especially with TETfund assisting the schools to tackle infrastructural challenges and training needs''.

The Provost of the college, Prof. David Wonang, disclosed that 8,000 graduands were convoking at the college, ``in spite of many challenges''.

Wonang expressed his gratitude to the Federal Government for using TETfund to stimulate infrastructural development in the college, declaring that the institution would soon be fit to become a university.

He disclosed that the college, which began in 1974, with just 100 students, now had a population of 14,000 students with seven schools and six directorates all awarding degrees and NCE certificates