Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing science and technology education as part of the A.S.S.U.R.E.D Prosperity Agenda, aimed at securing a brighter future for the state.
Speaking at the Annual Founders’ Day Celebration of Government Secondary School (GSS) Odi, held in Yenagoa, Governor Diri, represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, emphasised that science and technological innovation are central to sustainable social and political development.
He highlighted the government’s investment in technical and vocational education, noting that the administration has built and equipped more schools to develop skilled manpower for industrialisation and economic growth. He also assured that when the recently suspended teacher recruitment exercise resumes, priority will be given to hiring science teachers. Addressing the cancellation of the previous recruitment process, Diri explained that due process was not followed, necessitating a fresh exercise to align with the administration’s educational goals.
Governor Diri further stated that the government is actively reorienting education towards science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by increasing the number of science institutions and teachers. He mentioned initiatives such as the teachers’ registration council, the teachers’ inspectorate unit, and the PRIME programme, which monitors classroom performance. The state executive council, he added, has approved the employment of 995 teachers in critical subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer literacy.
Commending the GSS Odi Alumni Association for its dedication to improving the school, the governor urged alumni associations to also focus on instilling moral values in the younger generation.
Chairman of the occasion, Vice Chancellor of the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Prof. Solomon Ebobrah, underscored the importance of alumni contributing to their alma mater’s growth. In the keynote lecture titled “Exploring Science and Technological Innovations for Sustainable Social and Political Development,” nuclear scientist and former Director General of the Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission, Prof. Franklin Osaisai, stressed that national development is closely tied to advancements in science and technology. He warned that without significant improvements in power generation and technological infrastructure, Nigeria’s aspirations for security and sustainability would remain unfulfilled.
Earlier, National Chairman of the GSS Odi Alumni Association, Dr Ebikisei Udisi, announced that proceeds from the event’s ₦100 million fundraising would be used to build a new science laboratory, renovate deteriorating structures, and construct sports facilities. The Chief Launcher, High Chief Victor Wayles Egukawhore of De Wayles Group of Companies, donated ₦20 million and encouraged continued alumni support to enhance education in Odi and beyond.
