Bayelsa, Lincoln University Ink MoU to Boost ICT Education

Bayelsa state government yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), with the America’s first degree awarding black university, the Lincoln University of Pennsylvania with a view to expanding its quest to boost Information Communication Technology (ICT) knowledge; and provide greater opportunities for more research and exploration into areas of environmental protection studies.

Governor Henry Serieke Dickson, of Bayelsa state who signed on behalf of the state said the MoU would afford students and members of the academic staff and faculties of its own Niger Delta University (NDU), Wilberforce Island to share in Lincoln’s rich history as a foremost institution of higher education in the United States.

Dickson also noted that it agreement forms part of a broader efforts aimed at diversifying the Bayelsa state economy through a robust programme in agriculture, tourism and ICT.

“Surely, this is one opportunity we will exploit to the fullest given our resolve and commitment to impact positively on the standard of education back home. This memorandum of understanding further affirms that commitment as we take a crucial step forward today to forge institutional links between this great institution and my state. By this MoU, I am positive that we will engage in robust educational and cultural exchanges, explore capacity building for our young people, advance our quest to expose our students to ICT knowledge, provide more opportunities for research, explore and examine areas of environmental protection studies and nature preservation, and identify other areas of mutual interests and concern,” said Governor Dickson.

n his remarks, Dr. Robert Jennings, President of Lincoln University Advisory Board, (who signed on behalf of Lincoln University) commended the Governor’s passion for education and the practical steps being taken to improve the sector in the State.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson, chief press secretary to Governor Dickson, in a statement to Nigeria CommunicationsWeek said the MoU signing ceremony was preceded by a brief ceremony, which witnessed the formal inauguration of Governor Dickson, as a distinguished member of the University’s International Advisory Board.

“The ceremony was witnessed by 36 members of the board made up of distinguished men and women drawn from different parts of the world,” Iworiso-Markson stated.

The Pennsylvania  event also had in attendance Prof. Lawrence Ekpebu, vice chairman of Bayelsa Development and Investment Corporation (BDIC), Hon. Stella Dorgu, PDP member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Peter Akpe, (PDP) Majority Leader, Bayelsa State House of Assembly,   Chief Joshua Fumudoh, a Former President of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Steve Azaiki, a onetime Secretary to the State Government and Hon. Douye Diri, principal executive secretary to the Governor.

The Lincoln University has a famous history of producing such African leaders as Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, first Nigerian Governor –General and President of Nigeria, and Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, first President of Ghana.