By Boluwaji Obahopo

Provost, Federal College of Education, FCE, Okene, Kogi state, Prof. Iyela Ajayi has charged the academic staff   of the institution to intensify their efforts in research work in other to   give the institution a virile and sound academic standing. The Provost also call on the students to utilize the academic potential abound in the college to create a better and comfortable future for themselves.

Ajayi who stated this during the maiden edition of the college debate competition held at the auditorium of the institution, said continuous research work would go a long way in broadening the academic prowess of the staff and will help them discharge their academic responsibilities.

Iyela who was represented by the Deputy Provost of the college, Mrs. Cecilia Omeiza said the purpose of the debate competition was to create further avenues of maximising the academic potentials of the students. “I believed that this competition would unearth hidden gems of oratory and public speaking among the students of the college; such efforts would prepare the students for future.

While commending members of the College debate committee headed by Dr. Caleb Momoh for organising the competition, he charged the students to brace up and face the challenges of academic pressure.  “I am using this opportunity to advise you to take your studies serious. You should always bear in mind that without hard work success can never be achieve.”

Earlier, in his welcome address, Chairman of the debate committee, Dr. Momoh said the competition being the maiden edition in the institute make it unique which give all the department of the college an opportunity to participate in the competition.

He however called on corporate organisations to partner with the institution in the area of sponsoring   subsequent editions of the competition.