NANS Stakeholders Forum commends Bayelsa EDTF, passes vote of confidence on EtebuThe National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Stakeholders Forum, Bayelsa Chapter, has commended the Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF), describing it as a worthwhile government initiative.In a statement signed by its Chairman, Believe Ezekiel Wisdom, the forum said its assessment followed a review and verification of the fund’s interventions across the state’s education sector.The forum applauded EDTF’s investments in laboratories at Bayelsa Medical University and the Microbiology Laboratory at Niger Delta University, Amassoma.It also highlighted the fund’s sustained support for internet services at Niger Delta University and the establishment of a Computer-Based Test Centre at the University of Africa, Toru-Orua.NANS further commendded the fund for sponsoring academic research and providing science equipment to public schools across Bayelsa’s eight local government areas.The forum noted that EDTF’s interventions extend beyond tertiary institutions to secondary schools, technical colleges and model schools, ensuring wider access to educational support.It applauded the introduction of coding and robotics programmes in public schools, alongside inter-school competitions aimed at strengthening science and technology education.The statement also praised the sponsorship of Bayelsa students to national science competitions and the provision of water projects in schools.According to the forum, EDTF has made significant progress under Executive Secretary, Professor Ebimieowei Etebu, within the past year.It described his appointment as a sound decision by the Gov Douye Diri-led prosperity administration, expressing confidence that the current board would build on the achievements of previous administrations.The forum acknowledged teacher development programmes implemented with the British Council and the Teachers Training, Registration and Certification Board (TTRCB), saying they have attracted interest from other states.It also commended EDTF’s educational technology initiatives, including internet access through special SIM cards for students to enhance digital learning.NANS highlighted the fund’s partnership with the United States-based Bridge Academy International to train 100 classroom teachers in phonics and the science of reading.The forum also praised EDTF’s collaboration with the United Kingdom-based Matific Pedagogy Academy to train teachers and pupils in modern mathematics teaching methods.It said the initiative targets primary four to six pupils and Junior Secondary School one and two students to improve interest and performance in mathematics.The stakeholders passed a vote of confidence on Prof. Etebu, the EDTF Executive Secretary, the Board and Secretariat, describing the agency as one of Nigeria’s leading education intervention agencies.The forum also commended Bayelsa Commissioner for Education, Dr. Gentle Emelah, and Gov Douye Diri for supporting educational reforms and sustaining the Education Development Trust Fund.
NANS Stakeholders Forum commends Bayelsa EDTF, passes vote of confidence on Etebu
