The Chancellor of Gregory University Uturu Prof Gregory Ibe has decried the unfortunate dearth of trained professionals in certain cardinal career sectors in Abia state.
The renowned professor of entrepreneurial science who also functions as director of research and development of Abia Elders Council, stated that the unfavorable situation poses great danger to the growth and wholesome development of the state.
Speaking to newsmen on the heels of the 30th anniversary of the creation of Abia state, Prof Gregory Ibe asserted that the gaps created by the absence of these professionals in the Abia workforce has the potential of impinging speedy advancement while halting attainment of future societal goals.
According to him, “In execution of my responsibilities as director of research and development of Abia Elders Council, I recently observed the apparent lack of a good stock of professionally trained Abians in such critical careers as Petroleum Engineering, Physiotherapy, Radiology, Public Health Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Physical and Health Science, Insurance, Theatre Arts, Mass Communication and Agricultural Science”.
This discovery, according to Prof Ibe, has informed his decision to use this year’s award of his annual scholarship scheme to commence the process of correcting the observed career deficit.
In his words, “In order to commence the process of reversing the possible negative impacts of the present unfortunate situation of existing yawning gaps in the data bank of certain needed trained professionals on our labor demography in the future, I have directed our Scholarship Board to offer desiring Abia youths from the 17 Local Government Councils tuition free education in Gregory University Uturu during the forthcoming 2021/2022 academic session to study these disciplines”.
He therefore enjoined Abia youths to avail themselves the opportunity of acquiring such skill sets that will not only distinguish them but can also make them relevant to societal needs.
It will be recalled that the Prof Gregory Ibe Scholarship Board had in the past offered tuition free education awards to many youths, climaxing with the extension of similar grants to 150 indigent people from the seventeen Local Government Councils of the state during the 2020/2021 academic session, who are currently studying various courses in Gregory University Uturu.
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