Being Text of a Speech by His Excellency, Alhaji (Dr.) Aliyu Akwe Doma, OON (Madauchin Doma), Executive Governor of Nasarawa State on the Occasion of the Inauguration of Reconstituted Governing Councils of Tertiary Institutions and the Honourary Special Adviser on Health, Thursday, 27th August, 2009

PROTOCOL:

I am happy to welcome you all to this occasion of the inauguration of the reconstituted Governing Councils of four tertiary institutions in the State, namely:

College of Education, Akwanga;
Nasarawa State Polytechnic, Lafia;
College of Agriculture, Lafia; and
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Lafia.

Also to be inaugurated today is the Honorary Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Kabir Musa Ibrahim, the Emir of Azara.

It is gratifying to observe that this occasion has attracted such a galaxy of personalities from all over the State. This development is a source of encouragement to our sustained efforts in transforming and upgrading the education sector.

Ladies and gentlemen, in selecting the members of the Governing Councils of the tertiary institutions, special consideration was given to wealth of experience, integrity, commitment and the standing of the appointees in the society. Equally important is their demonstrable willingness to partner with Government in our development efforts.

Let me therefore congratulate the Members of the Governing Councils for their well-deserved appointments. I trust that you would bring your diverse and rich wealth of wisdom and experience to bear, in the discharge of your responsibilities as distinguished trustees in our collective efforts to transform the education sector in the State.

Ladies and gentlemen, the inauguration of the Governing Councils today, is another important milestone in our efforts to fully reposition the education sector in line with our 13-Point Agenda. It is my hope, and indeed my expectation, that the Governing Councils will acquaint themselves and be guided by the approved recommendations of the high-powered Education Reform Committee as they affect their respective institutions.

I need to emphasize that in pursuing the objective of promoting acquisition of knowledge and the development of teaching and research, the Governing Councils must provide leadership and direction that would promote communal harmony and character moulding in the institutions. Towards this end, every effort must be made to step-up the fight against cultism, examination malpractices and moral laxity in all its ramifications. I therefore call on the Management and Students of the institutions, as well as members of the concerned communities to cooperate with the Governing Councils in this endeavour.

On our part, I would like to assure of Government determination to improve the finances of the institutions, within available resources. Government therefore expects that the institutions would reciprocate this gesture by rededicating themselves towards the realisation of the ideals and objectives for which they have been established.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is imperative to note that Government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of education. Consequently, I urge Members of the Governing Councils to apply their goodwill and sphere of influence to explore other sources of funds and facilities for the institutions. Only in this way can we ensure sustainable growth and excellence in our educational institutions.

Ladies and gentlemen, at this juncture, I will like to congratulate the Honorary Special Adviser on Health for your well-deserved appointment. I have no doubt in my mind that you would avail us with your wealth of knowledge, experience and goodwill in our efforts to provide effective and efficient healthcare delivery in the State.

I cannot conclude this address without once again expressing gratitude and appreciation to you all for your support to this Administration in our march to progress and development.

On this note, ladies and gentlemen, I now inaugurate the Governing Councils of our tertiary institutions and my Honorary Special Adviser on Health.

Thank you and God bless.