By: Ben TC Brooks
Students of the River Gee Vocational and Technical Training Institute (RGVTTI) held their inaugural Student Council Government election on Monday, September 15, 2025 with Student Harrison Wah, Jr. from the Plumbing Department emerged victorious, securing the presidential position for the 2025/2026 training cycle.
Wah defeated Michael Zor Mapay from the Agriculture Department, marking a historic moment for the institution.
Joseph Dioh, Chairperson of the Electoral Committee, announced that a total of 144 votes were cast, with three invalid ballots.
Wah received 92 votes while Mapay garnered 49, resulting in a decisive margin of 43 votes between the two candidates.
Sagee Weah, the Dean for Student Affairs at RGVTTI, expressed gratitude to the students for their peaceful conduct throughout the electoral process.
He also praised the Electoral Committee for overseeing the election without incidents.
Weah further thanked the institution’s administration for its financial support of the election and assured both the president-elect and the student body of ongoing administrative backing for Wah’s leadership.
The election represents a significant milestone for RGVTTI, which aims to empower students with practical skills in various technical and vocational training fields, including Plumbing, General Agriculture, General Construction, Auto Mechanics, Two-Stroke Mechanics, Tailoring, and Catering/Pastry.
Beginning its first Academic Year in late October 2024 following a bill introduced in 2019 by -Senator Francis Saidy Dopoh II, former Representative of District 3, River Gee County, RGVTTI became a turning point for technical education in the county when the bill was passed into law in 2020.
Abraham Billy, Director General of the Agricultural and Industrial Training Bureau (AITB), stated that his institution offers training in 13 trade areas as part of its curriculum.
These include General Agriculture—covering rice, oil palm, vegetables, piggery, poultry, and root tubers—as well as General Construction, Carpentry, Masonry, Plumbing, Electrical work, Tailoring, and Mechanics.
The TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) programs are designed as one-year courses, with students required to complete internships prior to graduation.
These programs aim to address skills gaps in local job markets, equipping students with practical knowledge in their specific trades.
For many, this approach offers an alternative to traditional university education and provides a direct path to employment in their chosen fields.
TVET is considered vital for bridging the gap between education and employment, especially in areas where access to higher education remains limited.
The River Gee Vocational and Technical Training Institute (RGVTTI) is committed to addressing local job market needs and equipping students with essential skills for their future careers.
