The Executive Chairman, Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board (UBE) Sir. Ali Oruitemeka has dedicated the Gold Award given to him by the Grassroots Journalists of Rivers State in the area of outstanding education to the Gov. Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi and the Commissioner of Education, Dame Alice Nemi.
Sir. Oruitemeka stated this at the presentation ceremony of the Gold Award by Grassroots Journalists Association of Rivers State on his invaluable contributions towards the uplightment of Education in line with the Governor’s vision in the state.
“This award should go to the governor because of the revolution in Education because thus has not happened in the state before and the commissioner should also be honoured” he said.
He told journalists that, as stakeholders those in position can do the right thing, if you tell us the right thing he maintained.
The chairman tasked journalist to tell the true picture of things at all time whether those in higher position should know or not. He stated that there is still free education in the state but some people are still trying to scuttle the effort of the state government.
The educationist said the board is doing everything possible to sanitize the system as they have punished headmaster or teachers found wanting or absent themselves from school.
Explaining further, he said journalists as the watch dog of the society can investigate any school and bring credible information to the board at anytime, so that we can deliver free education in the state.
On the thirteen thousand (13,000) teachers, he said their employment was due to lack of teachers in the state in the past, but now there is no need where schools will complain again.
He said the 400 modern primary schools built in the state was to alleviate the plight of the less-privileged in the state who could not afford the cost of the private schools. Sir. Oruitemeka tasked teachers not to give any excuse for not teaching in their schools posted.
Earlier, the president of the body, Comrade Jeff Oguike had stated that the award became necessary because of the numerous contributions by the recipient to the growth of education in the state that necessitated the award.
He said his collaborations with the Ministry of Education to transform vision of the state government on education is reality. ###
