In line with his vision to radically restore and transform the educational sector as well as enhance the human capacity development of the State, Governor Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the prestigious Lincoln University of Pennyslyvania in the United States of America.
The MOU signing ceremony was held inside the boardroom of the impressive multipurpose International Cultural Centre of Lincoln University, which also served as venue for the inauguration of Governor Dickson as a member of the University's International Advisory Board.
While Governor Dickson signed on behalf of Bayelsa State, Dr. Robert Jennings, President of the Lincoln University’s Advisory signed on behalf of the university.
The main thrusts of the MoU are hinged on the development and promotion of educational exchange programmes between students of Niger Delta University and their counterparts in Lincoln University.
The MoU will also offer a unique opportunity for both students and members of the academic staff and faculties of NDU to share in Lincoln's rich history as a foremost institution of learning famous for turning out world leaders like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Kwame Nkrumah, who stood out as the greatest political thinkers and visionaries of their time.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Governor Dickson stated that, the Government and people of the State will fully exploit the opportunities offered by the MoU in line with the resolve and commitment of his administration to create enduring impact and positive imprints on the standard of education in the State.
He expressed the hope that, the MoU would equally enable both Bayelsa State and the Lincoln University to engage in robust educational and cultural exchanges, explore capacity building for young Bayelsans as well as advance the State’s quest to expose its students to Information Communication Technology (ICT) knowledge and provide greater oportunities for more research and exploration into areas of environmental protection studies and the preservation of the State’s natural endowmenmts.
The Bayelsa State Chief Executive also spoke of the need to identitify other areas of mutual interests and concern to both the University and the State, especially with current efforts of Government at diversifying its economy through robust programmes in the agricultural and tourism sub sectors.
His words: "Surely, this is one opportunity we will exploit to the fullest given our resolve and commitment to impact positively on the standard of education back home. This memorandum of understanding further affirms that commitment as we take a crucial step forward today to forge institutional links between this great institution and my state. By this MoU, I am positive that we will engage in robust educational and cultural exchanges, explore capacity building for our young people, advance our quest to expose our students to ICT knowledge, provide more opportunities for research, explore and examine areas of environmental protection studies and nature preservation, and identify other areas of mutual interests and concern."
In his remarks, the President of Lincoln University Advisory Board, Dr. Robert Jennings, commended the Governor’s passion for education and the practical steps being taken to improve the sector in the State.
Dr. Jennings assured Governor Dickson of the support of Lincoln University, stressing that, the institution was more than ready to give the Bayelsa State Government the needed support to propel its quest to turn around the educational fortunes of Bayelsa State.
The MoU signing ceremony was preceeded by a brief ceremony, which witnessed the formal inauguration of Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson as a distinguished member of the University International Advisory Board.
The ceremony was witnessed by 36 members of the board made up of distinguished men and women drawn from different parts of the world.
Also in attendance were those on the Governor's entourage which included Vice Chairman of Bayelsa Development and Investment Corporation, BDIC, Prof. Lawrence Ekpebu, the member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dr. Stella Dorgu, Majority Leader, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Peter Akpe, Chief Joshua Fumudoh, a Former President of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Steve Azaiki, a one time Secretary to the State Government and Hon. Douye Diri, Principal Executive Secretary to the Governor among others.
Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
13/10/2013
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