University of Information Communication Technology Bill Passes First Reading – Sen Thomas-Onowakpo

…as Tenumah donates educational materials to Ogiame Primary School in Warri

By Emmanuel Arubi

In a significant development for education and technology in Delta State, the bill for the establishment of the University of Information Communication Technology has successfully passed its first reading in the National Assembly. The bill, proposed by Senator Joel Thomas-Onowakpo, representing Delta South Senatorial district, aims to create the first ICT University in Delta State.

Senator Thomas-Onowakpo disclosed the progress of the bill while attending an event at Ogiame Primary School. At the gathering, Hon. Kingsley Tenumah, the Senior Special Assistant to Senator Thomas-Onowakpo, generously donated educational materials valued at over three million naira to the pupils of Ogiame Primary School in Warri.

The donated educational materials, which included Books, school bags, stockings, pen, pencil, erasers, ruler, notebook, were warmly received by the pupils.

There were also cash donations to two deserving retired teachers of the school for their dedication to the teaching profession during their days.

Senator Thomas-Onowakpo, speaking through his representative Mr. Evans Omaretsogunwa, expressed his gratitude for the donation and highlighted the potential impact of the upcoming ICT University on the region.

He said the proposed ICT University is set to be located in Ode-Itsekiri, Warri South, and is expected to enhance the educational landscape of Delta State significantly.

Senator Thomas-Onowakpo emphasized that the establishment of the university would not only boost the educational sector but also create employment opportunities and provide accessible tertiary education for youth in the region.

“Having a University of Information Communication Technology in this region will bring about positive transformations. It will improve educational standards, increase employment opportunities, and enable local youth to pursue higher education without having to travel far from their homes,” stated Sen Thomas-Onowakpo.

Senator Thomas-Onowakpo reiterated the vital role of education in national development and encouraged other well-meaning Nigerians to follow the example set by Hon. Kingsley Tenumah in supporting educational initiatives at the primary school level..

With the successful passage of the bill’s first reading, the journey towards establishing the ICT University in Delta State has taken a significant step forward, promising a brighter future for education and technology in the region.

Earlier at the event, Hon. Kingsley Tenumah, the Senior Special Assistant to Senator Thomas-Onowakpo, underscored the paramount importance of primary education in the nation’s development.

He emphasized that primary education serves as the foundation and bedrock for societal progress, highlighting the pivotal role it plays in shaping individuals’ futures.

Tenumah expressed his commitment to giving back to the community that nurtured him, stating, “In my own little way, I have a role to play in maintaining the foundation that enabled me to succeed and make a positive impact on the world.”

He however, lamented the decline in the educational system, particularly citing instances of malpractices during recent primary examinations in the state.

Calling on well-meaning individuals, especially those who passed through Ogiame Primary School and have achieved success in various fields, Tenumah urged them to contribute to their alma mater’s development.

He shared his personal ethos of giving back to society, citing his initiation of the annual “Peace and Unity Football Tournament” during his tenure as a Councillor in Warri South Local Government.

Hon. Tenumah expressed gratitude to individuals who have influenced his political journey, notably acknowledging Hon. Vincent Uduaghan and Senator Joel Onowakpo Thomas for their support and guidance.

He praised Senator Thomas-Onowakpo as an intellectual and dedicated representative committed to providing quality representation for the people of Delta South Senatorial District.

Also present at the event were Mr. Vincent Uduaghan, Austin Oribioye (APC Chairman, Delta South), and Prince Francis Yonwuren (APC Warri South Local Government chairmanship candidate), who echoed the importance of education and community engagement in shaping a better society.

The occasion served as a platform to advocate for educational empowerment and community involvement, reflecting a collective effort to uplift and transform the educational landscape in Delta State.