By Sharon Ivovi
In a significant move to harness robust policies to further improve on the standard and quality of education in the South-South States, the Delta State Government on Thursday played host to a meeting of the BRACED States Commissioners for Education and that of Science and Technology.
The Commissioners who had robust deliberations on how to advance education in the region, said there was going back in their shared determination for a collaborative synergy.
The Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof Nyerhovwo Tonukari while welcoming his education commissioner counterparts and that of Science and Technology from the BRACED States of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Cross-River and Edo States to the meeting, stated that the meeting provided them with a valuable opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue.
He also noted that the meeting under the auspices of the BRACED Commission was designed for exchange of positive ideas, collaboration and forming a cooperation to advance the quality of education in the South-South States.
Highlighting the significance of the meeting, the Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education stated that the meeting afforded the Commissioners the opportunity to foster closer ties and explore opportunities toward ensuring equitable access to quality education as well as fostering innovation in teaching and learning.
While saying their collective efforts were integral to creating a brighter future for all learners, he enjoined the commissioners to harness the power of collaboration and synergy which the meeting offered to unlock new possibilities and pave the way for transformative change in education within the region.
The Director General of the BRACED Commission, Amb. Joe Keshi in his remarks underscored the significance of the BRACED Commission which he said was to forge closer economic cooperation and integration, however stated that there was a consensus that education in the country was in crisis.
He lamented the poor performance of students in the 2024 JAMB results where 1.4 million out of the 1.8 million students that sat for the exam scored below 200.
The DG disclosed that the BRACED Governors had directed that as a way of achieving their shared vision of collective development, they should not only prioritize, but must harmonize there educational development.
“Secondly, we need to take our destiny into our hands and radically improve our education to ensure that we have the knowledge, skills and competences required for the 21st century, the kind of attributes that can make our people and region self-sufficient, productive, and competitive in a world driven by science and technology, especially information technology” the BRACED Commission DG stated
Others who also gave their remarks were the Edo State Commissioner for Education Mrs. Joan Osa Oviawe, Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education Mrs Rose Ezewu and Commissioner for Primary Education, Mr. kingsley Ashibogwu amongst others.