GOVERNOR of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa says the collaboration between the armed forces and centres of learning in Nigeria has contributed greatly to military art and science.
The governor made the observation last weekend at the official inauguration and maiden matriculation ceremony of Admiralty University of Nigeria (ADUN), Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.
According to Governor Okowa, “most advances in military art and science are direct consequence of the close collaborations between the armed forces and centres of learning.
“It is commendable that the armed forces not only contribute to education, but they also partner with the industrial sector in the production of goods and services,” Okowa said, stating that “the foremost priority of the present administration in the state remains the provision of skills and professional competencies for all its citizens and residents of the state.”
He added: “In the light of the increasingly complex challenges in contemporary world, including employment challenges, the role of well-groomed human capital cannot be overemphasised; this explains the desire of the state government to build a functional, result-oriented technical education system to boost vocational skills acquisition that would help to increase job creation in the state.
“The state government is therefore pleased to have another university come on stream in the state, as this is consistent with our love for education and knowledge. “Permit me to use this medium to state that Delta State needs more universities and I therefore call on all well-meaning and education-loving Nigerians both at home and the diaspora, including foreign partners, to come and build more universities in the state because, we have many candidates seeking admission that existing institutions can not accommodate.”
The chief of naval staff, Vice Admiral I. E. Ibas had in a welcome address disclosed that ADUN was established as a public-private-partnership through the joint efforts of Nigerian Navy Holdings and Hellenic Education of Nigeria.
A total of 231 students were administered matriculation oaths in different faculties at the ceremony, ranging from arts and social sciences, management sciences and sciences.