Open Letter to the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu

Request for the Conversion of the Teachers Continuous Training Center in Biase LGA, Cross River State, into a Polytechnic or University

Your Excellency,
Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu
Executive Governor, Cross River State

Dear Governor Otu,

I write most respectfully to you as a concerned advocate for the youth and a dedicated research consultant with a vested interest in the growth and prosperity of Cross River State. My name is Rev. Thankgod Onda Arong, LHDPRO AIHDM CH, A member of the Betem Traditional Rulers Council (BTRC), a trustee and Secretary General of the Ammeo Community Development Initiative AKA Ammeo Nation in Biase, and a licensed Humanitarian and Disaster Management Professional LHDPRO, it is in this capacity that I bring forth an urgent proposal for the conversion of the Teachers Continuous Training Center in Biase Local Government Area into a polytechnic or university. This transformation, I believe, will offer unprecedented opportunities for our youth, significantly addressing unemployment, fostering social transformation, and enhancing research, human resources, and economic growth.

1. Empowering Youth through Education and Employment Opportunities:

Cross River State is endowed with a rich youth population whose potential remains largely untapped. Currently, the Teachers Continuous Training Center, despite its modern facilities and state-of-the-art digital equipment, is underutilized as a secondary school. By converting it into a polytechnic or university, we create a pipeline of skilled professionals who can meet the demands of our local industries, thus directly reducing the alarming rates of unemployment and joblessness. Graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to access better job opportunities, thereby improving their economic standing and uplifting their families.

2. Facilitating Social Transformation and Reformation

An institution of higher learning brings more than just academic knowledge it serves as a transformative hub that shapes society. A polytechnic or university would promote a progressive culture within Biase LGA and neighboring communities, fostering values such as discipline, critical thinking, and civic responsibility among the youth. This exposure to higher education can drive meaningful social change, reducing poverty and addressing other socio-economic challenges at the grassroots level.

3. Enhancing Research and Innovation

Establishing a polytechnic or university will open new doors for research and innovation within Cross River State. With dedicated resources and a focus on practical solutions, local challenges in agriculture, health, infrastructure, and technology could be addressed more effectively. This development would position Cross River State as a center for knowledge, research, and innovation, thereby attracting scholars and funding from across Nigeria and beyond.

4. Developing and Managing Human Resources for Sustainable Development:

The importance of human resource development cannot be overstated in today’s economy. A polytechnic or university would serve as a breeding ground for skilled professionals in various sectors, including education, engineering, business, and technology. By investing in the development and management of our state’s human resources, Cross River can produce a capable and adaptable workforce to address both current and future demands, thereby contributing to sustainable economic growth.

5. Generating Revenue and Contributing to State Economic Enhancement:

The conversion of the Training Center would not only empower individuals but also contribute to the state’s revenue. As a polytechnic or university, the institution would attract fees from students, funds from research grants, and potentially support from governmental and non-governmental organizations. This revenue can directly boost the state’s treasury, providing funds for other crucial infrastructure and social projects. Additionally, the influx of students and staff would stimulate the local economy in Biase, creating new businesses and service industries that can contribute to job creation and economic stability.

In conclusion, Your Excellency, the challenges of poverty, unemployment, inflation, and economic instability facing Cross River State and Nigeria require bold and strategic actions. Transforming the Teachers Continuous Training Center into a polytechnic or university is a visionary step that can have far-reaching impacts on education, employment, social transformation, and economic growth in our beloved state. I am confident that, under your exemplary leadership, Cross River State can be a beacon of progress and opportunity for the youth and future generations.

Thank you, Your Excellency, for considering this transformative proposal. We hope that, with your support, the people of Cross River State, particularly the youth, will have an opportunity to thrive, contribute meaningfully to society, and break the cycle of poverty and joblessness.

Yours faithfully,
REV. THANKGOD ONDA ARONG,LHDPRO AIHDM CH
Research Consultant