Education

Private Schools Sweep Shell Science Quiz Contest

Published

14 years ago

December 11, 2011

Four private secondary schools have swept the 2011 Bayelsa Science Quiz Competition organised by the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria’s joint venture last Thursday in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

The company put together the third annual quiz competition in a series in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Ministry of Education, Intel Corporation, Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN), and Cinfores, an educational non-governmental organisation.

The four were among the seven private schools that slogged it out with 17 public schools in the state in the painstaking rounds of the finals of the academic and intellectual contest for the coveted trophies and cash prizes.

The high-flying private schools are Divine Comprehensive Academy, which clinched the first best spot; Belary Schools, Yenagoa, with the second position; New Total Child Academy, Yenagoa, singing home with the third position; while Winners International Academy, Yenagoa came fourth, ahead of 20 others which scaled the series of sessions, culminating in the final rounds last Thursday in Yenagoa.

Speaking shortly before the presentation of prizes to the winners, Vice President, HSE and Corporate Affairs, Shell Sub-Saharan Africa, Tony Attah, said the competition was aimed at ensuring that children in Bayelsa State develop keen interest in the sciences, adding that the joint venture partners were more than ever before ready to encourage the students to pursue science subjects at tertiary levels of education.

Attah noted that the dividend of the collaboration has been manifest in the good performance and tremendous improvement of students from Bayelsa State in the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), National Examinations Council (NECO), and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations, particularly in the sciences in the last two years.

The vice president stated that as one of the most focus areas in Shell’s social performance delivery strategy, huge investments in education have resulted in several initiatives, including the web-based science and mathematics learning programme called skoool.ng in partnership with Intel Corporation and Education Trust Fund (ETF), the upgrading of infrastructure and construction of new secondary schools, as well as award of scholarships to more than 300 students from Bayelsa State annually.

Also speaking, Bayelsa State Education Commissioner, Prof Tuemi Asuka, said that although Shell has contributed significantly in improvements in the education sector by building classroom blocks and laboratories and distributing textbooks, laboratory equipment and other reading aids to public schools in the state, the company has scored more marks by being the first corporate body to institute a comprehensive capacity building initiative, comprising the teachers in a re-invigorating development programme and the students in a brain-duel science exhibition and competition.”

The education commissioner tasked both beneficiary teachers and students to demonstrate to others at their respective schools that they have added new knowledge and skills to their work, and show courage confidence in their teaching and learning business so as to help in eradicating examination malpractices and cultism.

Nelson Chukwudi

Education

BUK Taps Content Creators to Expand Its Digital Footprint

Published

1 day ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has unveiled a team of Digital Media Ambassadors as part of efforts to strengthen the institution’s online presence and deepen engagement with stakeholders.

The initiative was announced in a statement signed by the Head of the Digital Media Unit, Mr Nura Garba, and shared on the university’s official social media platforms.

According to the statement, the Digital Media Unit held its inaugural meeting with the selected content creators on Monday at the unit’s office in the Senate Building.

Garba explained that the ambassadors were appointed to serve as digital brand advocates for the university across various online platforms.

“The ambassadors will serve as digital brand advocates, content creators and community connectors, helping to expand the University’s online reach and engagement,” he said.

He added that the appointees would support official communication, promote university events, document campus experiences and provide feedback on public perception of BUK across digital platforms.

Isa Kaita College

The appointed ambassadors are Ameer Umar Ibrahim, Arafat Yakubu Onono, Okeneme Favour Mmesoma, Abubakar Zubair (Master), Mustapha Sani Jibril, Auwal Muhammad Hamma, Idris Abdullahi, Nuruddeen Murtala Muhammad, Mukhtar Muhammad and Samuel Maina.

Garba noted that the initiative forms part of the university’s broader strategy to enhance its digital footprint and ensure effective, timely communication with internal and external stakeholders.

“The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to professionalism, collaboration and the promotion of the University’s image on global digital platforms,” the statement added.

Education

RSU Warns Fresh Students Against Malpractices, Cultism, Admits 5,601 for 2025/2026 Session

Published

1 day ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State University (RSU) Nkpolu Oroworukwu, Port Harcourt has warned fresh students against examination malpractices and cultism, describing such acts as serious offences in the university.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, stated this on Wednesday while admitting 5,601 fresh students offered admission to study in the university for the 2025/2026 academic session during its 44th Matriculation Ceremony held at the Convocation Arena.

Prof. Zeb-Obipi warned the students that the university has zero tolerance for examination malpractices, cultism, and other anti-social activities that are detrimental to the university’s growth and advancement, adding that the punishment for such nefarious acts is outright expulsion from the university.

The VC congratulated the students on earning admission through merit and advised them to pursue academic excellence, discipline, integrity, and leadership. He emphasized the importance of these values in shaping their future and contributing to national development.

Prof. Zeb-Obipi encouraged the students to take advantage of the opportunities available at RSU, including academic programs, research facilities, and extracurricular activities. He urged them to be proactive and make the most of their time at the university.

The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the university’s achievements and contributions to the region, including its research output, community engagement, and alumni success stories. He assured the students that they are joining a vibrant and dynamic community that is committed to excellence.

Prof. Zeb-Obipi also encouraged timely payment of fees and proper registration, highlighting support opportunities like the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). He advised students to be diligent in their academic pursuits and avoid financial difficulties.

The faculty distribution of matriculants includes: Administration & Management – 735; Agriculture – 52; College of Medical Sciences – 988; Communication & Media Studies – 702; Education – 130; Engineering – 1,137; Environmental Sciences – 137; Humanities – 204; Law – 218; Medical Laboratory Sciences – 71; Science – 962; and Social Sciences – 265.

Prof. Zeb-Obipi thanked parents and guardians for trusting RSU with their children’s education and encouraged them to use the Student Sponsor Account on the University portal to track progress. He also urged staff to continue shaping the minds and character of the next generation.

The Vice-Chancellor urged students to uphold RSU’s motto: Excellence and Creativity. He reminded them that their education at RSU is a privilege and a responsibility, and that they should strive to make the most of it.

The matriculation ceremony was a moment of celebration and new beginnings for the fresh students, who were welcomed to the RSU community with open arms. The university looks forward to shaping them into well-rounded graduates who will make a positive impact in society.

The ceremony ended with a charge to the students to be ambassadors of the university and to uphold the values of excellence, creativity, and integrity.

By: Akujobi Amadi

Education

IAUE VC Praises Lale’s Legacy as Renowned Academic and Visionary Leader

Published

1 day ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

The Vice chancellor Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) Rumuolumeni port Harcourt Rivers state, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, has described Professor N. E. S. Lale as an exceptional scholar and administrator whose contributions to university education have left an enduring legacy.

Onuchuku made the remarks during the grand retirement reception held in honour of Professor Lale at the IAUE Auditorium, Main Campus Rumuolumeni, in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the state recently.

He noted that the reception was organised to celebrate Professor Lale’s distinguished academic career, visionary leadership, and invaluable service to the Nigerian university system.

The Vice-Chancellor said Professor Lale distinguished himself as a visionary leader, noting that his tenure as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt was marked by academic stability, institutional growth, and purposeful governance.

He commended Professor Lale’s commitment to academic excellence, research advancement, and strengthening of university systems.

According to Onuchuku, Professor Lale exemplified integrity, discipline, and selfless service, qualities that earned him respect within and outside the academic community. He described Professor Lale as a dedicated mentor who nurtured generations of scholars and administrators across the Nigerian university system.

Onuchuku noted that Professor Lale’s leadership style promoted collaboration, innovation, and human capacity development. He said the public lecture delivered at the event reflected the depth of experience and insight acquired by Professor Lale over decades of academic and administrative service.

The Vice-Chancellor pointed out that the lecture offered valuable lessons on leadership, scholarship, and service to emerging academics and university administrators. He highlighted the presentation of two scholarly books authored by Professor Lale as evidence of his commitment to research and knowledge production.

Onuchuku attributed the retirement reception as a fitting tribute to a man whose life and career were devoted to the advancement of education and national development. The event was a celebration of Professor Lale’s legacy and contributions to the academic community.

The retirement reception was attended by academics, administrators, and dignitaries from various universities and institutions. It was a testament to Professor Lale’s impact and influence in the academic community.

Professor Lale’s retirement marks the end of an era, but his legacy continues to inspire and motivate future generations of scholars and administrators. IAUE and the academic community at large will remember his contributions and achievements.

The Vice-Chancellor and the academic community wish Professor Lale a happy retirement and success in his future endeavours.

By: King onuwor