Education
Christmas Bonus: A’Ibom SUBEB Releases N386m For Teachers
Akwa Ibom State Universal Basic Education Board has released N386.09 million for the payment of 2010 Christmas bonus of primary school teachers, Dr Patrick Ndon, the chairman, said.
Nidon stated this in an interview with newsmen in Uyo.
He explained that the package, also called “Akpabiomber” by workers, could not be paid last year because the board had to pay leave grants of N476.22 million to teachers along with their normal monthly salaries.
The Tide’s source recalls that there were allegations of diversion of funds against the board, while the package, also known as 13th month salary, had yet to be paid to the teachers.
The primary school teachers became more agitated when on May 1, Governor Godswill Akpabio stressed that he would continue to pay the bonus in his second term in office.
“You see, primary school teachers’ salaries are paid through the State and Local Governments Joint Account, the local government chairmen being political appointees had to plead that if all deductions were made in one month, nothing would be left for them.
“Hence, it was resolved that the “Akpabiomber” be paid in April 2011 and the money has since been paid to the teachers with their April salaries,’’ the chairman said.
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As Secondary and primary schools in Rivers state ,including public and private owned resumes for the first term 2025/2026 academic session today after a one month vacation at the end of the third term 2024/2025 academic session .,the state ministry of education said quality assurance supervisors will resume school visitations and monitoring immediately.
The state ministry of Education disclosed this in a statement signed by the permanent secretary ,
Dr. (Mrs.) Ndidi Chikanele Utchay and made available to the tide ,the statement stated that staffs of department of quality assurance services (SEQAS) in the ministry and it’s agencies will commence immediate routein assessment visitations to all schools in the state, to ensure Compliance with Established Educational Standards .
The statement reads thus:
“This is to notify all public and private schools operating in Rivers State that the State Education Quality Assurance Services (SEQAS) will commence follow-through and routine assessments immediately, upon resumption of the 2025/2026 academic session. These assessments are designed to:
Ensure Compliance with Established Educational Standards.”
“Evaluate the Quality of Teaching and Learning,
Review Curriculum Implementation and Teaching Methods,
Assess Infrastructure and Learning Environment, and
Promote Students Welfare and Overall School Improvement.”
“Consequently, all Public and Private Schools are by this announcement advised to make all necessary preparations and ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements. “
The statement also said applications for School approvals and upgrades should be submitted directly to the office of the Permanent Secretary, as negotiations with individuals and agents will no longer be tolerated.
“The state Ministry of Education appreciates your continuous co-operation and commitments to sustaining high educational standards in our dear State.”the statement stated.
By: Akujobi Amadi
Education
University of Port Harcourt elevates five professor’s on communication and public relations
The Governing Council of University of port Harcourt in Rivers state has appointed
five new Professors of Communication and Media Studies of the institution.
This was contained in a Facebook handle of the public relations officer of the university,Dr Sammy Kpenu disclosed that those elevated to the ranks of professor include erudite and world-class Prof. Ntiense James Usua , promoted to professor of Broadcasting,
Prof. Faustina Ginikanwa Nwachukwu – Strategic Communication and Advertising, and
Prof. Benedict Obiora Agbo – Public Relations and Advertising.
Others are,Prof. Sunny C.J. Mbazie , Public Relations and Advertising, while
Prof. Clement Afamefuna Asadu ,was appointed professor of Behaviour and Social Change Communication, of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Port Harcourt.
By: Akujobi Amadi
The Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, has declared that all activities in the University are AI-driven, stressing the need to prepare the future workforce through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education as a pathway to achieving sustainable development.
He made this remark while declaring open the 4th Annual International Conference of the Department of Science Education, held from Wednesday,at the Faculty of Education Auditorium.
The vice chancellor commended the department for choosing a theme that aligns with his vision for the University and expressed optimism that the conference would produce a communiqué with clear strategies for the future.
Also speaking,the Head of Department, Science Education, Dr. Dorathy Ekineh, stated that the convergence of STEM Education, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Sustainable Development is crucial in shaping the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem solvers.
According to her, the conference provides an opportunity to explore, discuss, and collaborate on strategies to equip the workforce with the skills required to face the challenges and seize the opportunities of the future.
Earlier In his welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof. Isaac N. Dokubo, described the conference as timely, noting that the world is rapidly embracing AI in all sectors.
He explained that the primary aim of the conference is to examine how AI and STEM Education can prepare tomorrow’s workforce to compete effectively with their counterparts globally.
Delivering the keynote address, the Dean, Faculty of Education, University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Cheta Williams, stated that the workforce of the future will thrive at the intersection of STEM, Artificial Intelligence, and sustainability.
“If we align our education systems, innovations, and ethical compass, we will not just prepare for the future, we will shape it,” he stated .
He averred that the workforce of tomorrow is already being built today in classrooms, universities, innovation hubs, and government boardrooms,adding that the future is not something to wait for, but something to design and build together.
Also presenting a paper titled “STEM Education and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Future”, Prof. Keziah A. Achuonye from the Faculty of Education, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, highlighted the vital role of STEM in driving resilience and sustainable growth.
By: Akujobi Amadi
