WISDOM ONIEKPAR IKULI
Despite the fact that Ijaw people are among the first people in the present Nigerian state that encountered the Europeans from the 12th century, Ijaws particularly those in Bayelsa State were categorized among the educationally backward and disadvantaged people.
The first set of Europeans that got to Ijaw land were Portuguese explorers and adventurers. When they arrived, they discovered that Ijaws were already living organized and very civilized lifestyles.
Ijaws were already practicing Traditional Democracy where the Amanyanabo-in-Council, Pere-in-Council, Ebenanaowei-in-Council, Okilom-Ibe-in-Council, Obenobhan-in-Council were in charge of their various kingdoms that were independent nations.
They had village Paramount rulers, able-bodied men who served as police and warriors. They also had the village assemble that can be likened to the present day Houses of Assembly because important matters were tabled at the town squares and resolved when decisions were taken.
The Portuguese were equal trade partners with Ijaws before the British incursion. At the beginning, the British in the 17th and 18th centuries were also trade partners with Ijaws before they betrayed or outsmarted Ijaws and the rest are known histories.
DELIBERATE EFFORTS TO KEEP IJAWS STAGNATED
The British were overwhelmed by the natural resources and wealth of Ijaw people so they felt the best way to perpetuate their exploration was to ensure Ijaws were denied access to western education.
While they built schools in other areas to groom persons who can read, write and interpret the Bible, they deliberately described Ijaws as people who lived on top of mangroves (water) and feed on human flesh as cannibals.
The above was deliberate in order to shift the attention of the rest of the world from the abundant natural resources in the area and the misguided exploration, exploitation, deprivation, devastation and degradation
Palm oil, timber and other natural resources that were taken from Ijaw land contributed to the European Industrial Revolution and economic boom.
Along the line, some courageous Ijaws were able to send their children abroad (overseas) to acquire western education.
It is on good record that the first black man that attended and graduated from the famous Harvward University is an Ijaw man precisely from Bayelsa State. Prof. (Amb.) Lawrence Epebu is the man that broke that yoke and academic record.
THE REVOLUTIONIZATION OF EDUCATION
Despite the fact that those who ruled the old Rivers State were largely from the present day Bayelsa State, i mean leaders like Navy Commander Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff later His Royal Majesty who was the First Military Administrator of old Rivers State and Chief (Sen.) Dr. Melford Obiene Okilo CFR, the First Civilian Governor of old Rivers State, they built all the institutions in Port Harcourt.
So at creation of Bayelsa State on 1st October, 1996, there was no high institution in the state.
Later the School of Nursing now College of Nursing, Tombia-Agudama Ekpetiama was built.
Bayelsa State was categorized among the educationally backward and disadvantaged states.
Most universities deliberately denied Ijaws admission into Law and Medicine programs.
It was alleged that some tribes even weaponized WAEC because they were in charge.
When they look at the subject combinations of students and discover the area or field they were intending to aspire to. They deliberately fail or cancel subjects like Literature for Law and Physics and Chemistry for Engineering and Medicine.
In 30years, Bayelsa State has moved from a hitherto educationally backward and disadvantaged state to one of the most educated states. It is now categorized among states with some of the highest number of graduates who are doing well in their various fields of endeavours.
Today, Bayelsa State has;
Two federal universities: Federal University, Otuoke and Federal University of Agriculture, Nembe–Bassambiri.
Three state owned universities: Niger Delta University (NDU), Wilberforce Island, University of Africa, Toru-Orua and Bayelsa Medical University (BMU), Sampou.
One federal polytechnic: Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe.
One state owned polytechnic: Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Aleibiri.
One state owned college of education: Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro College of Education, Sagbama.
One private university: HENSARD University, Toru-Orua.
Among other institutes.
Presently, Bayelsa State is among states with the highest number of Technical Colleges.
Gov. Douye Diri discovered the deficiency in crafts and artisan skilled manpower which were usually imported from other states and countries. So, he decided to build the above colleges to develop medium manpower.
Those schools are free. They feed the students. Give them free books and free training. The above shows that government is very intentional in her bid to develop manpower in the state.
In the next few years, Bayelsa State shall export artisans/skilled labour to other states and countries.
The above is also applicable to the Bayelsa Medical University (BMU). In the next few years, Bayelsa State shall export Medical Doctors, Nurses, Laboratory Technicians and other medical personnel abroad and earn huge foreign exchange.
Today, only NDU and FUO have produced thousands of graduates.
Bayelsa State has produced hundreds if not thousands of Lawyers who are doing very well.
Bayelsa State has produced thousands of Engineeers who are doing very well.
The same is applicable to Medical Doctors, Accountants, Political Scientists, the chain is endless.
Presently, it is difficult to see any family in Bayelsa State that does not have a graduate of the universities and colleges in the state.
I also commend the ongoing healthy competition for acquisition of Doctorate degrees (Ph.D) among young people.
Bayelsa State now parades hundreds of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) holders in various fields.
The advantages of education which is the bedrock of society cannot be overemphasized.
So, as we celebrate Bayelsa @ 30, we have every reason(s) to be proud that the state has opened opportunities for educational development of Bayelsans with attendant good job placements and great opportunities.
I congratulate the founding fathers of the state.
I congratulate successive administrations.
I congratulate His Excellency, Very Distinguished Senator Douye Diri and his worthy Deputy, Pastor (Hon) Peter Akpe Ph.D and all members of the ASSURED Prosperity Team for their good works and the good things Almighty God is using them to do for the state and Bayelsans.
– Chief (Hon) Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli Technical Adviser to the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State on Media and Public Affairs
