The Vice Chancellor of the Niger Delta University, NDU, Professor Allen Agih, has solicited the cooperation and support of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in training Niger Deltans in Information and Communication Technology, ICT.
Professor Agih, who made the appeal when the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Sir Victor Antai visited the university in Amassoma, Bayelsa State, described human capital development, ICT and research development as veritable tools of advancing the society.
He said: “Our last visit to your office was not only to seek your intervention in terms of projects, but to come up with other areas that can advance the society. We know that NDDC has among other things constructed roads and is building a 500-bed hostel for the university. However, we need to look at other critical areas that could help identify and solve problems of production, food security, environmental challenges and health in the region “
The Vice Chancellor expressed commitment to fostering a harmonious working relationship between the NDDC and the university, while also emphasising the gains of exploring the potentials of available resources in the region.
The Vice Chancellor told the delegation that the school was already producing bottled water and bread within the campus, as an indication of its emphasis on putting skills into practice as against theory.
Responding, the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Sir Victor Antai, said the working visit to the institution was to get an on-the-spot assessment of the needs in the university and to determine ways of assisting the university.
He maintained that as an intervention agency, the NDDC would seek ways to assist the university in the area of training, research development and ICT.
“We have come to see and take back first-hand reports from the university. I am optimistic that something positive will come out of this visit.