Kingsley Wali, a respected philanthropist, has called on the Rivers State government to revive its three technical colleges, arguing that they hold greater potential for societal impact than additional universities.
Wali made this appeal through a statement on his official Facebook page, where he advised Governor Siminalayi Fubara to rethink plans to establish a university in Opobo, his hometown. Instead, he urged the governor to invest in a world-class technical college with a focus on information technology.
“The Rivers State government plans to build a university in Opobo. However, I believe a top-tier technical college with a strong bias toward IT would serve the state better,” Wali stated. “Rivers already has enough universities producing graduates who are often unemployed or unemployable. Reviving the technical colleges in Port Harcourt, Ahoada, and Tombia could significantly change this narrative.”
He emphasized that technical colleges equip students with practical skills, preparing them for entrepreneurial opportunities and addressing the state’s unemployment crisis. According to Wali, such institutions could bridge the gap between education and employment, fostering economic growth in Rivers State.
Continuing his appeal, Wali urged Governor Fubara to address lingering disputes over the International Airport Hotel in Port Harcourt in collaboration with Bayelsa State’s Governor Douye Diri. He proposed converting the site into a five-star hotel and constructing a golf course nearby, which he described as an untapped economic goldmine.
“Governor Fubara should engage Bayelsa’s leadership in 2025 to resolve issues surrounding the Airport Hotel. Transforming the site into a luxury hotel with a golf course would not only boost tourism but also generate significant revenue,” he suggested.
Wali’s recommendations underscore the need for strategic investments in education and infrastructure to create sustainable development in Rivers State. By prioritizing technical education and leveraging existing assets, he believes the state can pave the way for economic transformation.
His call aligns with growing advocacy for technical education as a tool for empowering youth and addressing unemployment, positioning Rivers State for long-term growth and sustainability.
