Muhammad Dagereji, provost, Federal College of Education Yola, Adamawa, has appealed to the federal government to upgrade the college to university level for the development of education in the country.
Mr Dagereji made the appeal in Yola on Saturday during the 15th combined convocation ceremony of the 2011 to 2023 graduates and the 50th anniversary of the college.
According to him, some colleges in the country have been upgraded except those in the North-East.
“We are making a facial appeal and calling on stakeholders to come together to develop the institution to continue serving humanity”, he said.
Mr Degereji said that 15,139 persons graduated after they were found worthy of character and learning for Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE).
He commended the government, TetFund and North East Development Commission (NEDC), among others for their support and contributions for the development of the college.
Dr Tunji Alaussa, minister for education, represented by Dr Yusuf Saeed, director reform, coordination and service improvements, however, assured the institution to look into their request for the upgrade of the college.
He said ”federal government is committed to the development of education in the country and in the process of amending TETFUND‘s enabling legislation to secure a reliable funding source for students loan initiative”.
He urged all tertiary institutions to seek creative and innovative solutions to supplement the funds received from the government.
“Education funding cannot solely rely on government resources; institutions must engage in purposeful research and cultivate partnerships with corporate entities to tackle practical challenges.
“This approach will boost your financial standing and enhance your capacity to fulfill your educational mission successfully”, he said.
Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa commended the college for the achievement recorded toward improving quality education in the state and country at large.
Mr Fintiri, represented by his deputy, Kaletapwa Farauta, said that the state government was committed to build Model Science Secondary Schools in all the zones.
“This highlights the strategic importance of the Federal College of Education Yola in supplying the needed manpower for these schools and indeed all other secondary schools in the state,” he said.
(NAN)