By Joy Odigie
Benin – Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo has directed the management of the College of Education, Igueben, to get the institution ready for accreditation within 90 days.
Obaseki gave the marching order on Wednesday after an on-the-spot assessment of facilities at the institution, located at Igueben Local Government Area of the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor on arrival to the school proceeded on inspection of facilities on ground including ongoing projects sponsored by TETFund.
The governor expressed displeasure with the infrastructure decay in the school, and directed the provost, Prof. Matthew Omo Ojugo and other management staff to reposition the college.
‘’We must get accreditation for this school within the next 90 days, Mr Provost, if we do not have accreditation within the next 90 days, then, I’m sorry, you cannot be a provost anymore.
‘’So it is now your responsibility that we obtain accreditation for this school,’ he said.
The governor also directed the provost to do an audit of project executed by TETFund and those being executed by the school.
Addressing staff members and students of the college, the governor emphasised the role of teachers in the education sector, saying that proper infrastructure was needed for teaching and learning environment to be conducive.
Obaseki also assured them of his administration’s support towards tackling their challenges in the area of infrastructure, payment of salaries and arrears and proper funding of the school.
The governor ordered a forensic audit of the institution’s financial account.
In his response, the provost of the college, pledged to reposition the institution before the expiration of the ultimatum.
On their part, Dr Justin Okonobo, the Speaker of the Edo House Assembly, who is from the council area where the college is located, and the Onogie of Igueben, Ehiziogie Eluojerior I, appreciated Obaseki’s efforts at turning around the fortunes of their community.
