GTEC pledges infrastructure devt for Savannah College of Education

The Savannah College of Education (SAVCOE) is set to benefit from major development projects following its integration into the public college system, the Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), Professor Ahmed Abdulai  Jinapor, has said.

Speaking during a courtesy call on the Overlord of Gonjaland, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, at his Palace in Damongo, Prof. Jinapor said:"I am assuring you that students of this college will also enjoy the benefits of public colleges, especially development projects. We have to quickly provide them with a fence wall to enhance security."

He said such a development would bring significant improvement to the school, including increased access, funding and enhanced infrastructure for quality teaching and learning in the region and beyond.

As part of the absorption process, the college would receive funding for infrastructure development, including construction of modern classrooms, libraries, vehicles for administration and other essential facilities.

Rationale

The visit was to officially inform the chief of the decision by the government to absorb the school into the public tertiary education system.

He also paid a courtesy call on the Paramount Chief of the Wasipe Traditional Area, Wasipewura, Mumbai Kabasagya II, at Daboya, where he visited the school to interact with both lecturers and students.

"I have realised that the college does not have a single vehicle, so when I return to the head office in Accra, I will immediately allocate a pick-up vehicle to this institution," the D-G said.

Last week, the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with GTEC, announced the successful absorption of Savannah College of Education into the public college system, marking a significant step in the region’s educational advancement, increasing the total number of public colleges of education in the country to 47.

This  followed series of protests by students of the school over its private status.

Commendation

The Yagbonwura  commended the government and GTEC for absorbing the institution, describing the decision as a laudable one that would ease the financial burden of parents and enhance educational opportunities in the region.

"The Gonja Kingdom has a long history of promoting education; it has been a key partner in the development of the college," he said.

The Yagbonwura advised the students to focus on their studies and avoid distractive behaviours that could hinder their academic progress.