The Federal Government, through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), has officially handed over a completed Direct Intervention School Project to the people of Igun Ojerie in Mbube, Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State, with a charge to the community to safeguard and maintain the facilities for the benefit of future generations.
The project, designed to improve access to quality basic education, includes the comprehensive renovation of classroom blocks, provision of classroom furniture, installation of a solar power system, construction of separate male and female toilet facilities, a perimeter fence, a borehole, and a gatehouse.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, UBEC Project Supervisor, Engineer Nelson, said the intervention was aimed at providing pupils with a conducive learning environment that would enhance teaching and learning. He urged the community to take ownership of the project by protecting the facilities from vandalism and ensuring their proper maintenance.
Representing the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Aisha Garba, Mr. Omota Obanowu described the project as a strategic investment in the future of the community. He stressed that quality infrastructure alone would not guarantee educational success unless parents enrolled their children in school, the facilities were properly maintained, and the community remained vigilant against theft and vandalism.
Representing the Executive Chairman of the Cross River State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mrs. Fedelia Okpo Ene, Board Member I, Mr. Joseph Ogar, commended the Cross River State Government for its consistency in paying counterpart funds, describing the collaboration between the state government and UBEC as critical to the successful implementation of basic education projects across the state.
He also applauded the SUBEB Chairman for her transparent leadership and commitment to the equitable distribution of educational projects, noting that the intervention reflected government’s resolve to provide every child with access to a safe and conducive learning environment.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Egbaji Julius Odobi expressed profound appreciation to the Federal Government, UBEC, the Cross River State Government and SUBEB for bringing the project to Igun Ojerie. He described the intervention as a landmark achievement that would significantly improve teaching and learning in the community.
Odobi appealed to parents to enrol their children in the school and urged the head teacher, staff and community members to ensure proper maintenance of the classrooms, sanitation facilities and other infrastructure. According to him, responsible management of the project would encourage government to attract more educational interventions to the area.
The ceremony was attended by officials of UBEC and SUBEB, traditional rulers, community leaders, education stakeholders and residents, who collectively pledged to protect the facilities and ensure they are effectively utilised for the benefit of present and future generations.
By Joy Ndoma
