The Chief Executive Officer of Kenyon International and co-founder of the Victor-Helen Foundation, Dr. Victor Ekpenyong, has advocated for increased private sector involvement in enhancing the quality of education in Nigeria.
Ekpenyoung stated this at the 2024 graduation and passing out parade of the Navy Secondary School Borokiri, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, recently.
The Kenyon International boss highlighted the crucial role of Nigerians in bridging infrastructure gaps and providing world-class learning tools to help shape Nigeria’s next generation of future global leaders.
In his address at the ceremony, Ekpenyong emphasised that Nigerians are responsible for building future innovators and solution providers for the country’s myriad socio-economic issues, such as insecurity and energy poverty.
He urged local businesses and individuals to play a proactive role in addressing educational challenges by investing in infrastructure and resources that foster a high standard of learning.
Ekpenyong highlighted the potential impact of the private sector’s contribution, saying, “The private sector’s contribution is vital in helping school administration elevate the current conducive learning environment. Only through our collective effort can we bridge the existing infrastructure gaps and equip our students with the tools they need to excel on a global stage, bringing hope and optimism for a brighter future.”
His commitment to this cause was underscored by the Victor-Helen Foundation’s substantial investment of over N50 million in restoring educational infrastructure and providing learning materials to schools in the country.
The foundation pledged a comprehensive renovation of the senior block at the Navy Secondary School Borokiri, in a bid to enhance its facilities to serve its graduating students better.
In addition to this commitment, Ekpenyong made a substantial contribution in support of the school’s development projects to ensure the continued success of its educational programmes.
The Navy Secondary School Borokiri’s graduation ceremony, graced by dignitaries from the Rivers State Government including, Siminalayi Fubara , the Governor of Rivers State, who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Chinedum Chukwuma, as well as parents, and industry captains.
The ceremony provided a platform for Ekpenyong to share his vision for a more robust and dynamic educational sector in Nigeria. His advocacy reinforces the importance of collaborative efforts between the private sector and educational institutions in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.