Sir Paul Chukwuma, the Governorship candidate of the Young Progressive Party, YPP, in the Nov. 8 Anambra Guber election, has stressed the need for transforming the education sector to meet the demands of the 21st century.
Sir Paul stated this during an interactive session with Representatives of tertiary institutions, under the aegis of Academics for Better Anambra, which took place at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.The YPP Guber candidate who unveiled his three-point agenda — Human Capital Development, Infrastructure, and Security (HIS) — said this aims at transforming Anambra State, lifting it from its current undesirable state.He posited that education or academic does not start and end with reading, writing and speaking grammar, but should be a comprehensive process, encompassing trade, skills, entertainment and other forms arts covering all aspects of human endeavors
This boils down to fundamentally changing the educational system to meet the needs of the 21st century. It involves systemic changes to the curriculum, teaching methods, and organization, moving beyond simple reforms to create a more personalized and effective learning experience that prepares individuals for the modern world.
Sir Paul also spoke of tackling insecurity, as well as upgrading the state’s infrastructure.On welfare, Chukwuma pledged his administration’s commitment to prioritizing teachers’ welfare, promising to provide accommodation for teachers across the state.
“As governor, I will pay attention to other forms of schooling, such as apprenticeship, where youths learn for some years and are then settled. I will set up a special agency for empowering people.
“There will be teachers’ quarters in every school, and I will prioritize the welfare of teachers because they are responsible for the proper upbringing of our children.
On infrastructural development, commerce and industry, Chukwuma promised to build a seaport at Ose Akwa in Ihiala LGA, which, he noted, has the shortest nautical route to the Atlantic Ocean in Nigeria.
“We will do this in liaison with the Federal Government to ensure that the seaport is realized,” he added.
The YPP candidate also promised to strengthen security by creating community-based security committees that would work closely with traditional and formal security agencies.
On Power supply, he said he would ensure uninterrupted electricity within his first two years in office.
Chukwuma further informed that he would implement a comprehensive property documentation system across the state as part of his strategy to curb insecurity.
“One of the things fueling insecurity is that more than 90 percent of houses in the cities are not documented. Once I take over, we will number all houses, even those built with mud, and ensure that the occupants of every house are known.
Once the Federal Government sends the security vote, we will use it appropriately.
“After the seaport, we will find a solution to the problem of power. I have seen that our people are ready to pay once they see the light,” he said.
.He also pledged to address the menace of gully erosion and decentralize development by allowing local governments to handle road construction with their direct allocations.
“The problem of the state is not just building roads. The LGAs will be building roads because their allocations will go directly to them. As governor, I will have a listening ear,”
Chukwuma, who hails from Anambra North Senatorial Zone, faulted the state’s zoning arrangement, arguing that poverty and insecurity have no geographical boundaries.
“We cannot be hiding under the rhetoric of zoning when our state is in trouble,” adding that he joined the race because of the state’s mounting challenges.
He described the problems facing Anambra as man-made and expressed confidence in his ability to solve them if elected.
Chukwuma also beamed light on strengthening the local government system, ensuring civil servants’ welfare, and protection of citizens’ rights.
He assured that local government system would enjoy Autonomy in the real sense of it for the development of the state while State government would supervise its operations.
“Our people must know the truth at all times, and there must be freedom of speech and worship. I will be governor for all,” he assured..
