By Peter Okutu
Ebonyi Professionals have commended the federal government for its recent decision to establish six Federal Universities in each of the six geo-political zone, saying such effort would reposition the nation’s education sector for better productivity.

In a press statement Wednesday, the professionals noted that the plan to establish the six federal universities by President Goodluck Jonathan was an indication of his concern for the education sector, noting that they were gladdened that the establishment of the University in Ebonyi would promote federal presence in the state.

Leader of the group of professionals, Mr. Magnus Eze, said they were convinced that the institution will boost the state’s manpower base and come with the multiplier effect on job creation.

He advised that the location for the siting of the university should be a place that would be suitable and conducive for serious academic exercise

He said: “For Ebonyi people, the siting of the institutions in six states that had no existing federal universities has not just shown that President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration has the education sector at heart, it is also a good signpost to its belief in the principle of federal character.

“We are not oblivious of the benefits accrualable from a federal university; particularly to an educationally disadvantaged and economically weak state as Ebonyi.”

“As a group worried about the manpower index of our state, we are convinced that the institution will boost the state’s manpower base and invariably come with the multiplier effect of job creation, wealth creation and other socio-economic developments.

“The institution should be located at a place that would be suitable and conducive for serious academic exercise. Even as the university might commence at a permanent site, it is exigent for it to take-off at any of the existing structures in the state.

“In taking this decision and recommending accordingly, we believe that the state government, under the leadership of Chief Martin Elechi, would take all necessary factors into consideration. “Any action taken in this regard, at this juncture, would definitely affect the federal university and Ebonyi State in future. Hence, we call for a pain-staking study of the situation before decision is made.”