The commissioner representing Akwa Ibom State in the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Apostle Abasiandikan Nkono, on Thursday, flagged off the first phase of distribution of U-Lesson educational tablets and textbooks to 65 primary and post-primary schools in the State.
The event held at the state office of the commission in Uyo, was graced by the management staff, staffers of the commission and heads of benefitting schools.
Speaking at the event, Apostle Nkono hailed the gesture as a significant milestone in the commission’s efforts to enhance the quality of education in the Niger Delta region.
He advised the heads of schools to ensure students optimise the use of the tablets to unlock their potential and shape their future:
“We are celebrating this milestone because we were once students. Let today mark the beginning of a new era for our education sector as far as reason, not just for Akwa Ibom but for the entire Niger Delta region. Guide the children on the appropriate use of these aids.
“Do not convert these items, there should be no hoarding whatsoever of these gadgets; if NDDC had hoarded them, you wouldn’t have them today.”
The State Rep assured schools not captured in the first phase that the programme is not a one-off exercise: “As my Director said, it is not a one-off thing. Today, School A is invited; tomorrow, it will be School B because it is a continuum. We are committed to continue implementing initiatives such as this.”
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He appreciated the Chairman and Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr Chiedu Ebie and Dr Samuel Ogbuku, respectively, for being pragmatic in implementing the commission’s core mandate.
“The 7th governing board is well versed in interpreting these dreams. The two gentlemen on the board are smart and pragmatic, Dr Chiedu Ebie and Dr Samuel Ogbuku, these gentlemen have done so much that even the president is at peace with them and all of us at NDDC.”
State Director, Engr. Evong Evong, also enjoined the benefitting schools to make judicious use of the items, adding that more schools shall be captured in the next phase.
“This is the pilot phase, in the next phase, another set of schools would benefit. I have to thank the NDDC Directorate of Education and the management for this come to fruition.”
Mrs Anthonia Akpan, also a director in the state office, congratulated the beneficiaries, thanking them for partnering with the commission in its education promotion agenda.
Assistant Directors, Mr Nobert Brown and Mrs Ndifreke Essien also harped on the need for improved synergy between the commission and schools in the state.
Evangelist Uduak Jackson, Head Teacher, Government Model Primary School, Enwang, Mbo Local Government Area; Mr Paul Alex, Alex Secondary School, Eket Local Government Area; Mrs Mfon George Udoh, Principal, Independence High School, Ukana, Essien Udim Local Government Area; all appreciated NDDC for the gesture, promising to utilize the items properly.
