Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has commended the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, for its consistent support in advancing tertiary education and infrastructure development in the state.
The governor gave the commendation over the weekend during the maiden combined convocation ceremony of Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Aleibiri, in Ekeremor Local Government Area.
Speaking at the event, Diri, who is the Visitor to the institution, described TETFund as a reliable partner in the development of higher education in Bayelsa and across Nigeria. He noted that the intervention agency has played a key role in improving learning facilities, infrastructure, and academic standards in state owned tertiary institutions.
According to him, TETFund has remained instrumental in the growth of the polytechnic and other higher institutions in the state through consistent funding support and project interventions.
The governor reiterated that education remains a top priority of his administration, adding that his government has deliberately focused on technical and vocational education to equip young people with practical ss for self reliance and job creation.
He explained that the elishment of science and technical colleges across Bayelsa’s eight local government areas was aimed at producing sed students who can feed into institutions such as the polytechnic.
Diri also highlighted several achievements recorded since the relocation of the institution to its permanent site, including programme accreditation, infrastructure expansion, and improved academic performance.
He praised the management, staff, and host community for their dedication to the growth of the institution, describing their efforts as commendable.
During the ceremony, the governor approved the provision of two Coaster buses for the polytechnic and directed relevant officials to ensure immediate procurement. He also ordered the fencing of the institution to enhance security and instructed the Ministry of Works to assess internal road needs on campus.
On power supply, Diri said the state government plans to extend electricity from its gas turbine project through Sagbama to Ekeremor, including Aleibiri, instead of relying on sel generators for the institution.
He further urged graduating students to be good ambassadors of the school and to embrace ss acquisition and entrepreneurship as alternatives to white collar job dependency.
Earlier, the rector of the polytechnic, Dr Wisdom Clinton Soreh, described the convocation as a historic milestone for the institution. He listed several achievements made possible through government support, including renovation of academic buildings, upgraded laboratories, improved library facilities, and installation of solar powered infrastructure.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Akpe, members of the State House of Assembly, top government officials, traditional rulers, and education stakeholders.
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