By Augustine Akanigha
The Delta State House of Assembly has received two Executive bills, for a law to repeal The Delta State School of Marine Technology in Burutu (Law 2006) and enact The Delta State Polytechnic, Burutu, (Law 2023) and other related purposes, and another bill for a law to repeal The School of Health Technology (Law 2002) and enact The College of Health Science and Technology (Law 2022).
The House also received a bill for a law to provide for the Development and Promotion of creative Industries in Delta State by establishing The Creative Industry Development Funds, encouraging Public-Private Partnership and providing incentives for creative entrepreneurs and workers.
Presenting the bills through a letter from the state governor, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, on the floor of the House on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 in Asaba, the Speaker and Governor-elect, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, said the repeal of the School of Marine Technology in Burutu (Law 2006) became necessary as a result of serveral challenges faced by the institution in the area of infrastructural development due to inadequate budgetary provision, caused by the inability of the institution to access the Tertiary Education Trust Fund ( TETFUND).
He added that it was regrettable that the request by the institution to access TETFUND was denied on the ground that the institution is a monotechnic and the fund is available only for universities, polytechnics and colleges of Education.
On the school of Health Technology, Governor Okowa said in his letter that the repeal bill was borne out of the current global pressure on healthcare delivery, the need to facilitate accreditations of the institution to measure up with other such schools in the country, and also attract more students, seeking training and certification in the middle-level healthcare delivery services in the country.
He added that the proposed upgrade of the School of Health Technology to the College of Health Sciences and Technology would accord a befitting status to the Institution, enhance its certification for the award of National Diploma, Higher National Diploma or Certificate ( as the council may determine) and enable affiliation with other institutions offering healthcare training or services in the country.
On the Creative Industry Development Bill, Okowa said that the creative industries had the potentials to contribute significantly to the economic growth, social cohesion and cultural expression of Delta State.
The governor assured that the bill would contribute significantly to the development and growth of the Creative Industry in Delta State, which in turn would foster economic growth and enhance cultural heritage of the people.
The Majority Leader of the House, Hon.(Chief) Ferguson Onwo, moved the motion for the receipt and consideration of the letter from the governor and was seconded by Hon. Asupa Peter Forteta, Member representing Burutu 1 Constituency, for the Polytechnic, Burutu; Hon. Matthew Poko Opuoru, Member representing Warri South 2 Constituency, for College of Health Sciences Technology, while the Minority Leader, Hon. Anidi Innocent Emosivwe, seconded the motion for the establishment of the Creative Industry Development Law.