Members of Project 1000 a solution driven citizenship forum have paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Chief Barr. Stephen Odey Ph D.
The visit was to commend him for achievements in the basic education sector and contributions to the development of Yala Local Government Area.
Speaking during the visit, the Convener, Project 1000, Dough Onah said the visit became necessary to appreciate Dr Odey for the laudable strides in the basic education sector and his contributions to the development of Yala Local Government area, through infrastructural development, credible teaching workforce, and employment opportunities, amongst others.
Onah stated that the forum was interested in bringing growth and development to Yala Local Government Area and Cross River State through its programmes which include; Spelling bee competition organised for State and Local Government, on-going construction of Library in Yala Local Government Area, ICT training, amongst others.
According to him “We have seen the rapid decline of educational performance in Yala which you have been trying to curtail, in other to arrest this we are trying to reward academic excellence in secondary schools and tertiary institutions by organising competitive events. Last year we hosted the first Cross River State spelling bee in Ikom, we also have chess competition coming up to teach young people critical thinking,” he explained.
While soliciting support for their upcoming project, Ogar Sunday said the forum is making plans to organise a widespread Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training for SS3 students of all Government Secondary Schools to instil ‘digital skills’ which will be beneficial to them when undertaking the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination.
In his words “we have realised that some students have zero access to the internet or the computer before they get to write jamb which is ICT based, so the first time many of them see a computer is when they are writing the Jamb exam and it puts them at a disadvantage among their contemporaries in other States. We are working towards doing a widespread ICT training for secondary school students, we know that with you on board we will be able to achieve this.”
In his response, the Executive Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Stephen Odey, expressed gratitude to the forum for identifying with him and committing themselves to a noble cause.
He urged them to continue to support the Prof Ben Ayade’s led administration who, he said, has done so much for the basic education sector and to extend gratitude to the Governor, for giving sons and daughters of Yala an opportunity to serve in this administration.
Dr Odey said the Board has aligned with the global shift to ICT which is why computers have been supplied to some primary and junior secondary schools in the State.
Pledging his support to the Organisation, Dr Odey said “I have listened to all the programmes you have outlined here, I am impressed that young people like you are interested in the development of your community and the state. I will collaborate with you to ensure that you achieve your objective.”
He called on sons and daughters of Yala to embrace unity and work together towards the good of the Community “I am an advocate of peace and oneness in Yala, there should not be any discrimination. There is strength in numbers, we can all work together for the betterment of Yala,” he reiterated.
The SUBEB Boss urged them to remain steadfast and dedicated to their cause despite challenges. He added that hard work, humility and intelligence will take them to greater heights.
