The Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF) on Teusday donated 100 double bunk beds, 200 mattresses and 10 laptops to the Bayelsa State College of Nursing, Tombia-Ekpetiama.
The EDTF said the support is part of efforts to improve students’ learning environment and strengthen healthcare training in the state.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Executive Secretary of EDTF, Prof Ebimieowei Etebu, said the intervention reflects the fund’s commitment to enhancing learning environments across educational institutions in Bayelsa.
The Executive Secretary explained that the provision of the items would help create a more conducive atmosphere for students, adding that tackling obstacles to learning was imperative for educational advancement.
“This intervention from the state’s Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF) is borne out of our belief that the quality of a learning environment directly impacts the quality of learning itself.
“This was the foresight of Benjamin Franklin when he noted that: “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest”.
“At EDTF, we extend that to mean investments in the spaces where knowledge is nurtured,” Etebu said.
He explained that research proves that adequate rest and comfort are essential for effective learning outcomes..
Also, the Chairman of the EDTF Board, High Chief Fidelis Agbiki, described the intervention as the first of its kind in the school and expressed hope that proper utilisation would pave the way for more support in the future.
Agbiki urged the institution to maintain the facilities as monitoring teams would conduct periodic inspections.
In his remarks, Chairman Bayelsa House of Assembly Committee on Education, Dr. Dr Charles Daniel, applauded the EDTF for its targeted interventions in the education sector, saying the Fund’s programs have consistently stood out among government initiatives he has witnessed.
On his part, HRH Chief Igonia Dakolo, Ibolo the eleventh, Amananaowei of Gbarantoru, who represented HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo, Ebenanowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, said the donation would help address pressing needs at the college.
Provost of the College, Dr. Kenneth Belibodei, said the intervention addressed a critical need at the institution, as he expressed satisfaction with the quality of the items supplied.
Also the SUG President of the college Ake Yinks, described the donation as a major experience that would boost learning, assuring that students would make judicious use of the facilities.
Dignitaries at the event included members, Bayelsa House of Assembly Education Committee including Timi Agala Omubo, EDTF board members, leadership and students of the Bayelsa state College of Nursing Sciences, Tombia/Ekpetiama amongst others