National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Peter Chucks, Asaba
DELTA: The Provost of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba, Prof. Josephine Anene-Okeakwa, has assured that the Federal Government is actively addressing low enrollment in Colleges of Education nationwide. She also urged journalists to uphold responsible reporting to prevent the spread of misinformation.
Prof. Anene-Okeakwa made the remarks during an interactive session with journalists following reports on some online platforms alleging that lecturers outnumber students at the institution.
Describing the report as misleading and unverified, the Provost expressed disappointment that the author failed to conduct proper research before making such claims.
“While enrollment in Colleges of Education has declined in parts of the country, particularly in Southern Nigeria, it is not true that lecturers outnumber students at FCE (Technical), Asaba,” she stated.
She noted that the Federal Government is already implementing measures to address the issue, including the introduction of a dual-mode system that allows Colleges of Education to offer both NCE and degree programs, significantly increasing student enrollment.
Prof. Anene-Okeakwa also condemned the growing belief among Nigerian youths that “education is a scam,” warning that such misconceptions could be detrimental to national development.
“Education remains the foundation of success in any field. I urge young people to embrace learning as a pathway to a better future,” she advised.
She further called on wealthy individuals and politicians to support education by sponsoring students, particularly those from rural areas, as part of their constituency projects. According to her, the college has modern facilities and adequate hostel accommodations to cater to students at all levels.
The Provost urged media practitioners to verify their reports before publication, commending the visiting journalists for prioritizing facts over speculation.
“I appreciate your effort in fact-checking. The media plays a crucial role in nation-building, and I encourage you to promote narratives that support educational growth,” she added.
Following a tour of completed and ongoing projects at the institution, the journalists commended Prof. Anene-Okeakwa for her leadership and the visible transformation of the college, urging her to remain steadfast despite unfounded criticisms.
