Ashibogwu, Poised To Reposition Primary Education For Results In Delta

By Emuji Magnus

The Education industry is a very vast and key sector that often plays pivotal role in driving sustainable development in any society and thus, requires individuals with determination and commitment to turn around the system to be in charge of the sector for the overall benefit of the citizenry.

The primary sub-sector of the education system needs pragmatic and dynamic people in charge of the implementation of the government blueprint and policies at that level.

In seeking further education and knowledge with which to be adequately equipped to proffer solutions to the myriads of issues confronting humanity and more importantly, establish a solid foundation for sustainable means of livelihood, the importance of according to premium attention to primary/basic education cannot be overemphasized.

The attainment of primary school education has remained a crucial parameter, that determines how far one might go in the pursuit of further education be it in the secondary school or tertiary institution.

Every individual, who is working in a formal sector must have acquired a minimum primary school leaving certificate, which again underscores the importance of the primary education to every child.

To this end, any administration that has the disposition to achieve the expected result in the education sector must take holistic appraisal of the status of the primary schools and devise systematic approach towards repositioning the sector effectively.

Similarly, a government that has the interest of her people at heart must not neglect the yearnings of the people to improve primary education, especially around infrastructure, needed to make teaching and learning environment conducive for the learners and also prioritise the welfare of teachers.

It is in demonstration of his administration’s avowed commitment for the transformation of the education system and ensure that the MORE agenda in the education sector is holistically actualised that the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori considered it expedient to appoint a seasoned technocrat in the field of education, grassroots politician and unassuming personality, Dr. Kingsley Nze Ashibogwu, formal lecturer at Novena University, Ogume as Commissioner for Primary Education in the State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education .

As renowned educationist, one of the core areas of Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu’s specialisation is ‘evaluation and measurement’ , a critical aspect in the education profession .

Considering his intimidating background in the education sector, the choice of Dr. Kingsley Nze Ashibogwu to oversee the Primary Education arm of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education could be described as a round peg in a round hole. Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu is the immediate past Commissioner for Higher Education under the administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

The Ukwuani-born academia and politician spent less than two years in that administration as Commissioner for Higher Education, his imprint as reflected in success stories,  is visible with some landmark achievements. As an accomplished University teacher, his innovations and positive approach to issues contributed greatly in stabilizing and driving higher education system to an enviable height.

The new State Commissioner for Primary Education is very conversant with the problems confronting the education sector and knows the best approach to tackle them in line with the task of delivering Oborevwori’s MORE agenda. Upon assumption of office, Dr. Ashibogwu has displayed uncommon resilience and passion to move primary education forward in the state.

Realising the place of the education sector in the success of the Oborevwori’s administration, Dr. Kingsley Nze Ashibogwu has already hit the ground running, being among the first batch of Commissioners to have resumed duty a day after they were sworn in by the Governor.

He was received into the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Augustine Oghoro, an astute administrator and workaholic civil servant who had continued to add values to the Ministry and the State Civil Service in general, by enriching and strengthening the capacity of the any civil servants that share working relationship with him .  A very articulate and result oriented Mr. Augustine Oghoro remains a pathfinder of the Ministry, whose efforts in ensuring that the staff of the Ministry brace up to their responsibility of service delivery is commendable.

In his maiden meeting with the Permanent Secretary and other principal officers of the Ministry (Directors) , Dr. Ashibogwu called for collective efforts in achieving the MORE agenda of the Governor and pledged to operate open door policy. He reminded the staff of the Ministry that they were all partners in progress and appealed for their cooperation and support to enable him succeed while affirming that civil servants were the engine room of the government.

The Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Augustine Oghoro in his welcome address, congratulated the Commissioner on his appointment and subsequent assignment to the Ministry to be in charge of Primary Education and assured him of the support of the staff of the Ministry.

The Commissioner was later briefed on the overview of the activities of the various Departments in the Ministry including Departments of Schools, Inspectorate and Quality Assurance, Science Education, Examination and Standard, Adults and Non-Formal Education, Education Resource  Centre (ERC) ,Planning, Research and Statistics, Accounts and Finance and Administration .

Departmental briefings will not only equip the knowledge of the activities of the Ministry but would also enable him to ascertain areas that require strengthening.

As a man that believes in team work, it is expected that the Primary Education Commissioner would in days ahead engage key stakeholders in the education sector such as the Association of Primary School Heads of Nigeria (AOPSHON), the Chief Inspectors of Education (CIEs) and other entire staff of the Ministry to interface with them with a view to brainstorming on ways of moving the education sector forward .

The State AOPSHON has indicated their resolve to synergise with the Commissioner and his management team in the Ministry to uplift primary education in the state. Reacting to the appointment of Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu as the Commissioner for Primary Education, the State Chairman of AOPSHON, Comr. Mesere Edward on behalf of the association expressed joy in his appointment. Comr. Mesere in a Congratulatory message published in the State newspaper,The Pointer, described Ashibogwu’s appointment as well deserved and pledged the support of his association for him.