The National Teachers' Institute, NTI which offers a 3-year NCE programme  amongst other professional qualifications in teaching may soon become a degree awarding institution if it's  enabling legislation  now on the floor of the National Assembly is promulgated into law says  the National Director/Chief Executive Officer of NTI, Professor Musa Garba Maitafsir.


Prof Maitafsir represented by the State Coordinator of NTI, Mrs. Benita Oviosun made the revelation during the inaugurating/matriculation on Saturday of the Ikwuano Study Centre domiciled at Oboro High School, Ikwuano LGA 


In his remarks, the Study Centre Manager, Rev. Uche Emenike noted that the institute is transforming its educational activities from traditional to modern method, analogue to modern in a bid to offer the  best way of offering academic service to students.


Equally speaking during the event, the Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Austin Akobundu  described the teaching profession as one that has always helped to shape  the future and keep society going despite the socio-economic crises afflicting the world, and therefore, deserves to be kept alive through public-spirited support.


Sen Akobundu who was the Special Guest of Honour also announced the award of scholarships to 113 students of the Institute . He remarked that the beneficiaries were drawn from the six Local Government Areas, LGAs that make up the Senatorial district 


The Senator who also announced that registration has commenced for his scholarship programme for regular students in tertiary institutions  further expressed delight at the opportunities  to keep giving back to society, urged the beneficiaries to take their training seriously so that they “will be well equipped to pass quality knowledge to our children and help in moulding their character for a better future.”


Akobundu who regretted the shortage of teachers in schools all over the country due to decline of interest in the profession and other factors, added that he was inspired to initiate the scholarship to help bridge the general acute shortage of teachers in the country especially as it affects Abia Central. He urged  other public-spirited individuals, groups and corporate concerns to come to the aid of the teaching profession and save it from further decline.


The facilitator of the Ikwuano Study Centre, Hon. Phillip-D Iroegbulam described teaching as godly and noble profession and expressed hope that with the take-off of the NTI Study Centre in Ikwuano LGA, more good things will come to the LGA.


 The  inauguration/matriculation ceremony which matriculated 157 students was witnessed by eminent personalities including the the Methodist Bishop of Ndoro Diocese, Rt. Rev. Udo U. Nmeregini represented by the Diocesan Assistant Synod Secretary, Very Rev. Jonathan Okoroafor and several others