Students endorse Bayelsa Education Trust Fund reforms
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Stakeholders Forum, Bayelsa Chapter, has passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of the Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF), commending the agency’s contributions to educational development across the state.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Believe Ezekiel Wisdom, the forum said its position followed an independent assessment and verification of the fund’s projects and interventions within the education sector.
Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Stakeholders Forum, Bayelsa Chapter, has passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of the Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF), commending the agency’s contributions to educational development across the state.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Believe Ezekiel Wisdom, the forum said its position followed an independent assessment and verification of the fund’s projects and interventions within the education sector.
The forum described the EDTF as a worthwhile government initiative, noting that its interventions have positively impacted tertiary institutions, secondary schools, technical colleges and model schools across Bayelsa State.
It specifically praised the fund’s investments in laboratory facilities at Bayelsa Medical University and the Microbiology Laboratory at Niger Delta University, Amassoma. It also highlighted EDTF’s continued support for internet services at Niger Delta University and the establishment of a Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre at the University of Africa, Toru-Orua.
The student body further commended the agency for sponsoring academic research, supplying science equipment to public schools across Bayelsa’s eight local government areas and expanding educational support beyond tertiary institutions.
According to the statement, the introduction of coding and robotics programmes in public schools, alongside inter-school competitions, has strengthened science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.
The forum also applauded EDTF for sponsoring Bayelsa students to national science competitions and executing water projects in schools.
It said the fund had recorded significant achievements under its Executive Secretary, Professor Ebimieowei Etebu, within the past year, describing his appointment by the administration of Governor Douye Diri as a well-considered decision.
The stakeholders expressed confidence that the current EDTF Board and management would build on the successes of previous administrations to further improve educational standards in the state.
The statement also acknowledged the agency’s teacher development programmes implemented in partnership with the British Council and the Teachers Training, Registration and Certification Board (TTRCB), noting that the initiatives have attracted interest from other states.
It further commended EDTF’s educational technology initiatives, including the provision of internet access through specially designed SIM cards to enhance digital learning for students.
The forum also praised the fund’s partnership with the United States-based Bridge Academy International to train 100 classroom teachers in phonics and the science of reading.
It also highlighted EDTF’s collaboration with the United Kingdom-based Matific Pedagogy Academy, which is training teachers and pupils in modern mathematics teaching methods to improve learning outcomes among Primary Four to Six pupils and Junior Secondary School One and Two students.
The NANS Stakeholders Forum reaffirmed its vote of confidence in Professor Etebu, the EDTF Board and Secretariat, describing the agency as one of Nigeria’s leading education intervention institutions.
The forum also commended Bayelsa State Commissioner for Education, Dr Gentle Emelah, and Governor Douye Diri for their continued support for educational reforms and the sustained growth of the Education Development Trust Fund.
