News

RSUST Back On Track -VC …Amaechi Pledges Better Welfare For Varsity

Published

14 years ago

May 7, 2012

Barely five years after the Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Prof Barineme Fakae had embarked on an audacious mission to rescue the university from near extinction, Fakae says the institution has again bounced back on the track of academic excellence.

Making the declaration at the 24th convocation ceremony of the university over the weekend in Port Harcourt, the VC in his address entitled ‘RSUST: Back on Track”, said time was when the university, “out of 39 programmes, had only 8 fully accredited but today, I am glad to inform you that all the programmes of the university presented to National University Commission are presently fully accredited.” He added that two programmes, architecture and land surveying that suffered loss in 2005 would be attended to by the NUC accreditation team billed to visit RSUST on 28th of this month, and expressed optimism that the two programmes would record 100% accreditation.

Fakae also noted that out of 122 universities currently operating in the country, only 27 were qualified to be visited for institutional accreditation, and that RSUST was one of those qualified.

“Today, I am particularly glad to announce that the results just received show that following the institutional accreditation visit in December, 2011, this university has now been institutionally accredited and rated A in its category to operate for the next five years, after which it will be due for another visitation,” Fakae noted.

The RSUST VC remarked that in his administration’s quest to position the institution as a world class standard, infrastructural development, staff welfare, students’ matters, sports development and information and communication technology have received deserved attention, and commended the university’s visitor and Governor of Rivers State, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi for his tremendous support and encouragement without which the long list of projects carried out could not have been possible.

He, therefore, appealed for Amaechi’s continuous support to the institution to enable it complete the moot court project in the Faculty of Law to enable it escape the hangman’s rope of the council for legal education.

“The moot court is a special requirement for the next accreditation of our law programme. The status of this programme will be at risk if nothing is done about this building when the present accreditation expires in 2013, he said.

The VC appealed to ASUU, SSANU, NASU and NAAT branches of RSUST to embrace dialogue and exhaust all avenues for peaceful resolution to conflicts before contemplating and embarking on strike. According to him, it was when there is industrial harmony that the university would be able to keep to the calendar of its academic programmes that would enble lectures, research and staff promotion to go on uninterrupted.

Earlier in his address, Pro-Chancellor and chairman of the university’s Governing Council, Justice Adophus Karibi-Whyte had commended the graduands, pointing out that it takes commitment, dedication and hard work to be acknowledged as worthy in character and learning, He charged them to good ambassadors of the university as well as maintain continuous link with their alma mater.

Highpoint of the event was the granting of the VC’s request by Governor Amaechi to recruit staff to further strengthen the university’s workforce.

The VC had lamented the frustration in the system bottleneck that hindered the institution from employing needed staff to man critical areas, noting that the situation had become precarious as the department of medical laboratory science is at the verge of losing its professional accreditation as a result of paucity of personnel, especially teaching staff.

A total of 3,541 graduands received certificates, postgraduate diploma and higher degrees in various specialization.

Of the figure, 3,219 got first degrees, 85 postgraduate diplomas, 215 master and 22 doctorate degrees. Three graduates made the prestigious first class .

Meanwhile, Governor Chibuike Amaechi has pledged government resolve for better working conditions and manpower in the State-owned University of Science and Technology(RSUST).

Governor Amaechi made the pledge at the 24th Convocation ceremony of the university in Port Harcourt on Saturday.

Overwhelmed with the academic achievements of RSUST, Amaechi urged the Vice Chancellor of the university and management to sit with ASUU and negotiate a new condition of service, which includes determination of staff who do not live up to their expectation.

‘I will also implore the university to employ new academic staff. There is no university if there are no teachers’’, he stated.

He approved the completion of the moot court building of the Faculty of Law as it would enhance the quality of graduates from the department.

Amaechi, however advised management of the institution to devoid itself from politics “I don’t approve of the signboards I see around the campus comparing what is in the past to the present. Whatever achievements we have made we congratulate the Vice Chancellor for those achievements and let it remain as achievements,’’ he said.

The governor commended the industry and commitment of the Governing Council and the Vice Chancellor for overhauling the institution and being able to break the jinx of non-accreditation and clearing the backlog of students who were unable to graduate over the years.

Amaechi congratulated the graduands, and urged them to be the torch lights of the society. “Ideas rule the world, hence this convocation is an indication of the seriousness and commitment you have shown to your studies. Bring the same to bear as you go to the outside world ‘’, he remarked.

He lauded former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon Odein Ajumogobia for bagging the university’s honourary doctorate degree in law, observing that the award was in recognition of Ajumogobia’s hardwork and integrity even as he wished him well in his future endeavour.

Earlier, in his address, the Pro-Chancellor of the university, Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte had said that the institution was undergoing drastic changes, and expressed appreciation to the Governor for providing the moral and financial support to the university’s governing council.

Justice Karibi-Whyte said,’’ I wish to express our profound gratitude to your Excellency for your unparalleled and continued support to the Rivers State University of Science and Technology(RSUST). You are one Visitor to this university that has shown a thorough understanding of the peculiar problems of our university’’.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof Barineme Fakae said the convocation was coming six months after last year’s one to clear the backlog of 2010-2011, and promised that the next convocation would come up next year.’’

He noted that the university has made tremendous strides over the years with a full accreditation of all its programmes by the National University Commission(NUC). Currently, he said the institution has become a world class in infrastructure and ICT, as it was rated A in its category of universities by NUC.

Chris Oluoh & Kevin Nengia

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.

Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.

The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.

Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.

According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.

The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.

Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.

News

Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.

The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.

This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”

The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.

“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.

It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.

Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.

“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”

He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.

“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.

By: Tonye Orabere

News

PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.

Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.

Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.

He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.

“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.

“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.

“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.

Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.

“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.

“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”

At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.

Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.

He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.

Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”

He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.

“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.

The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.

By: Kiadum Edookor