Ebonyi State College of Health Sciences and Technology Establishes Committee on Insecurity, Land Encroachment, Other Challenges
By Alex Odeh
A committee has been inaugurated for the Ebonyi State College of Health Sciences and Technology in Ngbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, to address various issues that have been impeding the seamless operation of the health institution.
The College Community Committee (CCC) was established following an inaugural stakeholders meeting convened by the Provost of the Ebonyi State College of Health Sciences and Technology, Princess Mrs. Chibueze Chetachi Usulor, at the college auditorium.
Chief Daniel Okabe, who presided over the stakeholders meeting and subsequently inaugurated the committee, charged its members with investigating unaccredited courses within the institution, land encroachment, security concerns, and the vandalization of school facilities.
In her opening remarks, Provost Princess Mrs. Chibueze Chetachi Usulor, who also serves as the Chairman of the Committee, emphasized the necessity of the stakeholders meeting to confront the challenges facing the institution prior to her assumption of office.
She stated, “I convened this assembly of stakeholders, traditional rulers, and youth leaders alongside the college management team to facilitate discussion and interaction, ensuring that my tenure is a success. This collaboration is essential for addressing the challenges confronting this college and for identifying areas that require governmental support,”she appealed.
Princess Mrs. Chibueze Chetachi Usulor further revealed that she had approached the Ebonyi State House of Assembly to amend pertinent sections of the law to expedite the accreditation of unaccredited courses with the National Board for Technical Education (NABTEB).
Following the meeting, Chief Collins Agbo, a stakeholder from the region, expressed his expectations for the committee to undertake a comprehensive evaluation and elevate the institution to international standards.
He remarked, “We anticipate that the committee will conduct a thorough investigation and elevate this school to an international standard. They must scrutinize every aspect and assess the needs accordingly.
“There should be a meticulous evaluation of the institution, and they should collaborate to consolidate efforts to ensure that this school achieves its optimum potential and produces the finest graduates, as is expected in Ebonyi State,”Chief Collins Agbo asserted.
Meanwhile, Professor Martin Chukwuemeka Ogayi from the Department of English at Ebonyi State University underscored the critical importance of accreditation for all tertiary institutions.
He articulated, “Achieving accreditation is an imperative task for any institution, necessitating diligent preparation. This can be accomplished by ensuring that staff members are adequately qualified, maintaining accurate records, providing sufficient facilities for program delivery, and ensuring that students receive quality instruction and care.
“This matter should be treated with utmost seriousness. Additionally, qualified personnel should conduct mock accreditation assessments. When preparing for accreditation, they must invite individuals knowledgeable about the accreditation process to evaluate their readiness and determine whether they are adequately prepared to successfully obtain accreditation when the board conducts its evaluation,”he elucidated.
Also speaking on behalf of the youth, Chief Onyeoma Kelechi, President of the Ngbojiogu Youth General Assembly, expressed optimism that the meeting would yield fruitful outcomes and signify a new chapter of progress for the institution.
He stated, “We have reached an agreement today that the two host communities should organize themselves and take responsibility for the security of this facility moving forward.
“Furthermore, they should collaborate with the school authorities to ensure that adequate security measures are instituted within the institution. Without security, government investments in this area will be rendered futile,”he emphasized.
The members of the College Community Committee (CCC) include: Princess Mrs. Chibueze Chetachi Usulor (Chairman), Professor Martin Chukwuemeka Ogayi, Mr. Obo Emmanuel, Mr. Ibina Philip, and Mr. Egba Peter Ogba.
Additional members comprise: Chief Cyril Obazi, His Royal Highness Eze Godwin Oda, Chief Onyeoma Kelechi Agbo, His Royal Highness Eze Chinedu Chibueze, Hon. Chief Daniel Okabe, Chief Chijioke Onwe, Mrs. Adagba Blessing, Hon. Obazi Uchenna, and Hon. Oboh Emmanuel.
