Pedro Dennis’s appointment as the founding principal of the Government Science and Technological College Swali in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, marked the pinnacle of his distinguished career as an educator. Known for his leadership, proven track record, and unwavering integrity, Dennis began his educational journey as head of the Mechanical Department at a technical college in Bayelsa from 2000 to 2018. His administrative skills were further honed as vice principal at Government Science and Technical College, Okaka, preparing him to transform Swali from an abandoned Universal Basic Education (UBE) facility into a model technical college.

Between 2012 and 2015, the UBE built and fenced classrooms, halls, offices, hostels, and a generator house in Swali. The UBE Programme, introduced by the Federal Government of Nigeria under former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999, aimed to address the issue of out-of-school children by providing accessible, universal, and compulsory primary education for every Nigerian child aged 6-15 years.

The transition was fraught with challenges. When Dennis assumed leadership, the UBE-built structures were dilapidated, and community skepticism was high. Undeterred, Dennis and his team embarked on an ambitious campaign to revitalize the college. They distributed flyers, conducted radio broadcasts, and engaged community leaders to promote enrollment. Initial efforts yielded modest results, with 30 pioneering students showcasing their technical talents and paving the way for increased community interest.

“First, my team and I made flyers and distributed them along the streets and from house to house to create awareness about the college,” Dennis said. “We also made announcements on the radio, and students came with their chairs and tables.”

Financial sustainability posed another hurdle. Innovatively, Dennis established a Parents Teachers Association (PTA), implementing a modest termly fee per student to fund essential operational needs. He negotiated equipment leases from his former school to supplement limited resources, leveraging these assets for educational purposes and revenue generation through student-produced goods.

“The students also improvised,” Dennis noted. “There were seven departments, including catering, garment making, welding and fabrication, electrical installation, building, computer craft, and bookkeeping.”

Transparency and accountability were cornerstones of Dennis’s approach. He ensured that PTA funds were meticulously managed by elected parent representatives and school administrators, with detailed financial records maintained to uphold integrity. A bank account was opened specifically for the PTA to manage funds responsibly.

In 2022, government intervention marked a turning point for Swali. New infrastructure, including a library, ICT center, workshops, and improved residential facilities, transformed the college’s landscape. These enhancements, coupled with Dennis’s steadfast leadership, spurred exponential growth. Today, Government Science and Technological College Swali boasts over 800 students and 40 teachers, including 15 dedicated volunteers, a testament to the college’s resurgence under Dennis’s stewardship.

Beyond administrative achievements, Dennis’s commitment to excellence and fairness resonates deeply within the college community. Colleagues like Abusi Ebiegberi commend Dennis for fostering a supportive work environment, promoting unity, and addressing challenges through inclusive decision-making.

“I had worked with five principals, but Dennis stands out because of his penchant for excellence and propensity for the truth,” said Ebiegberi, who transferred to Swali from Ekpetiama Comprehensive High School, Tombia, in October 2020. “When he resumed, he gathered other teachers and me together and spoke to everyone about his vision for the school.”

Ebiegberi further noted that Dennis has united the college’s teachers by ensuring they care for one another, especially in times of need. “He tells us always to be committed to our jobs and see ourselves as a family,” said Ebiegberi, the Vice Principal of Welfare at the college. “He treats everyone with respect, including the students.”

Testimonials from stakeholders, such as satisfied parents and successful graduates like Testimony Charles, underscore Dennis’s transformative impact. Charles, a pioneer student in the Garment Making Department, now owns her outlet in Bayelsa, citing Dennis’s mentorship and dedication to student welfare as instrumental in her success.

“He always made sure that I and other students were up to speed and that no one was left behind,” Charles said. “He regularly visited our classes to ensure the teachers were doing their jobs.”

Henry Ogbodo, a parent of two students at the college, praised Dennis’s leadership. One of his sons, Richmond, graduated from the Welding and Fabrication Department in 2023. “Dennis has shown great leadership ever since he became the principal of the college, and that has built confidence in the parents’ minds,” Ogbodo said. “One of the times I visited, he was upset at one of the teachers who left without permission; it shows how committed he is to transforming the school into one of the best.”

Although managing Government Science and Technological College Swali was Dennis’s primary assignment, he also advocated for the welfare of unfairly treated teachers whose salaries were often deducted. “Now, some teachers reject the offer when posted to my school because of my zero tolerance for corruption, but I am undeterred and committed to pushing for integrity in the public sector,” Dennis stated.

Pedro Dennis’s leadership at Government Science and Technological College Swali transcends educational reform; it embodies a vision for integrity and excellence in public service. His unwavering dedication has revitalized a neglected institution, inspired confidence, and transformed lives in Bayelsa State.

Accountability Lab Nigeria’s Creative Storytelling Fellowship is proudly supported by the John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and Luminate.