Idris Ahmed, Lokoja.
Federal College of Education (FCE), Okene in Kogi state, has been commended for producing hand sanitisers to support the efforts of government at combating the spread of the dreaded Covid-19 pandemic.
The Kogi State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology Mr Wemi Jones commended the Management and students of the institution on Friday when a delegation led by the Registrar, Mr Ovansa Peter, presented hand sanitisers produced by the college to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology..
The Commissioner who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary Mr Idenyi Samson, thanked the management and the students of the college for their diligence, hard work and scientific research leading to the production of the hand sanitisers which would in no small measure compliment the efforts of government at ensuring compliance with one of the WHO and NCDC protocols to be observed in combating the pandemic.
While appreciating the efforts of the college for its breakthrough and exhibition of academic and scientific excellence, the Commissioner, noted that the era of tertiary institutions waiting earnestly for government fund is over, urging them to delve into areas that can generate revenue.
He therefore advised tertiary institutions in the state to emulate the Federal College of Education, Okene, tasking them to look inwards in revenue generation by investing in meaningful ventures that Will complement government effort.
“The convid-19 pandemic has come to stay with us, but it is our fervent prayer that it does not spread beyond this. I am assuring FCE Okene that the ministry of education will support the college by introducing the products to schools under the ministry” the Commissioner said.
Earlier, the Registrar of the institution, Mr Ovansa Peter in his address, said aside the numerous achievements of the Provost of the College, challenged the Chemistry department to go into the production of hand sanitizers to prevent the spread of corona virus in the state.
Peter who disclosed that the product had since received the endorsements of NAFDAC, said the state ministry of health and the Kogi State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists have also acknowledged the product.
The Registrar also announced that the College has also produced fumigants, anti-snake and herbicides for public consumption.
“To this end , we are here to present to you ‘FCE , Okene Hand Sanitizer” produced by the Chemistry Department of the College as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility.
“We are also here to seek for the endorsement and collaboration of the Ministry of Education to recommend our products; hand sanitizers, fumigants and others to staff in your Ministry, public schools and educational institutions in the state.
