Matriculation: Ebonyi Education Commissioner, NTI Pledge to Deepen Academic Excellence as Nwoke Sponsors 50 Students

The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Donatus Illang, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to academic excellence through strategic partnerships with institutions like the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI).

Dr. Illang made the statement during the matriculation ceremony of new NTI students held at the Hon. Victor Nwoke Learning Centre, located at Izzi Unuhu Community Secondary School, Abakaliki Local Government Area. Commending the initiative behind establishing the centre, the Commissioner described it as complementary to Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s vision of repositioning Ebonyi State in education, security, and agriculture.

“This effort complements the governor’s vision to put Ebonyi on the global education, security, and agricultural map,” he said. Representing the Director General of NTI, Dr. Angela Ekwutosi Ozibo, the representative from the Field Operations and Quality Assurance Department welcomed the new students, describing their admission as a significant milestone. She urged them to remain dedicated and committed to excellence, assuring them of full support from the institute’s staff.

NTI State Coordinator, Mr. Nicolas Ugwu, reiterated the institute’s commitment to delivering quality teacher education and expanding access to professional training across Nigeria. The host and sponsor of the centre, Dr. Victor Nwoke — Member representing Abakaliki North Constituency in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly and Chairman, House Committee on Youth Development and Sports — expressed gratitude to the NTI for approving the centre in his constituency. He praised Governor Nwifuru for creating an enabling environment for lawmakers to serve effectively, describing the governor as a visionary whose People’s Charter of Needs has ignited grassroots development.

“I am happy with what is happening today. This initiative was made possible by the support of our performing governor who gave me the platform to serve my people at the State House of Assembly,” he said. Dr. Nwoke disclosed that he personally travelled to the NTI headquarters in Kaduna to secure the centre's approval. He also revealed that he had spent over ₦4 million to pay the tuition fees of more than 50 students for the current academic session, with a promise of sustained sponsorship until their graduation. According to him, the centre offers a second chance to school dropouts and adults seeking professional qualifications as teachers.

“Many who had dropped out of school are now back to learning. With commitment, some of them could become professors tomorrow,” he stated. Chairman of the occasion and Commissioner for Border Peace and Conflict Resolution, Prof. Paul Nwobashi, commended Hon. Nwoke’s bold interventions in education, agriculture, and peacebuilding. He encouraged the students to stay disciplined and urged local security personnel to continue maintaining professionalism and peace in the communities.

In goodwill messages, the Traditional Ruler of Izhi Unuphu Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Nwoba Nwangbo; Special Assistant to the Governor on Project Maintenance, Comrade Ben Nwovu; Abakaliki LGA All Progressives Congress,APC Chairman, Chief Paulinus Atam; and Town Union President General, Comrade Isaiah Ofunte, all praised Hon. Nwoke’s achievements and unanimously endorsed him for a second term. The event concluded with a friendly football match between the Izhi and Ezza communities, held in celebration of the Okeaku New Yam Festival of the Ezza Ezekunna clan. The game drew large crowds and fostered unity among the neighboring communities.