Education
GGSS, Oromenike Wins PCRC Children’s Debate
Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS), Oromenike, has won the Children’s Day debate organised by the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Rivers State Command.
The event which took place at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Multi-purpose hall, Mgbuoba, Port Harcourt last Monday saw GGSS, Oromenike defeating Government Secondary School (GSS), Elekahia to lift the coveated trophy while the Best Speaker prize went to Felix Okoro and Amara Chukwu of GSS, Elekahia as the prize for the first runners-up and third place was carted away by Maureen Justus and Addy Williams all of GGSS, Oromenike respectively.
Speaking at the colourful ceremony, the chairman of the occasion, Chief Wofuru Okparaolu advised the participants to be of good behaviour and obey constituted authorities.
He also called on the parents to ensure they give their children and wards quality education at all times, stressing that as future leaders of tomorrow, they deserved the best in their educational pursuit.
The Chairman, who is also the President, League of Veteran Journalist, Rivers State lauded member of PCRC, the Police and the organizers for the epoch making occasion and called for cordial relationship and forum to rub minds and give their children a sense of belonging.
In her own remarks, the wife of the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, Mrs Huseina Ndabawa sued for sustainance of the event, saying that she was excited with the impressive performance of the students and expressed optimism that next year ceremony would be better.
Mrs Ndabawa, who was represented by Dr. Chime Adeyemo said Police would continue to curb crisis and crime, appealing t the Public for their co-operation to carry out their job effectively in protecting lives and property.
Earlier, the Chairman of PCRC, Rivers State command, Hon. Austen Young had expressed gratitude to all that made the occasion a huge success and also commended the schools that participated in the debate for their impressive performance, and assured that next years edition would surpase the one of this year with God on their side.
Hon. Yong also commended the organizing Committee for their perfect organization and thanked all for their support.
Collins Barasimeye
The Acting Vice Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Prof. Okechuku Onuchuku, emphasised the need for students to go beyond academic achievements during the university’s 43rd Convocation ceremony.
The theme, “The University Culture In Practice, The IAUE Experience,” highlights the importance of embracing cherished traditions and intellectual values that define great universities.
Prof. Onuchuku encouraged the new graduates to work hard and persevere, noting that their convocation marks a new beginning in their careers and personal lives. He emphasised that they must prove themselves worthy of the certificates and prizes they have received.
According to him, out of 2,887 first-degree graduands, four made First Class, 403 secured Second Class Upper, 2,030 got Second Class Lower, and 450 graduated with Third Class. Additionally, 1,492 postgraduate students graduated, including 306 PhD holders.
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), praised the university’s commitment to academic excellence and institutional maturity. He commended the Acting Vice Chancellor for achieving full accreditation for 47 academic programmes and implementing the NUC’s Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards.
The administrator urged the new graduates to uphold the positive values instilled in them by the university and strive for continuous knowledge and improvement.
By: King Onunwor
The Niger Delta Students Union Government, Rivers State Chapter (NIDSUG), has suspended its planned protest against the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) state office in Port Harcourt. The suspension followed an intervention by the state Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju.
The students had planned to protest on Thursday, citing alleged neglect by the NDDC, particularly in welfare and capacity-building programmes for students from the state. However, after the police intervention, the students agreed to participate in a roundtable discussion with the commission to address their concerns.
NIDSUG leader, Comrade Loveday Njoku, expressed dissatisfaction with the commission’s alleged exclusion of students from benefiting from its programmes. He presented a seven-point demand, including the reintroduction of scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Njoku emphasised that education is crucial for community development and urged the commission to invest in the future leaders of the state.
The students warned that if their demands are not met, they will resume the protest and occupy the state commission office until their demands are addressed. Despite previous attempts to reach out to the commission’s management team, the students claimed their efforts were unsuccessful.
By: Akujobi Amadi
As part of efforts to improve the welfare and overall quality of education for students in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, the Sole Administrator, Sir (Dr.) Clifford Ndu Walter DSSRS, FCAI, JP, paid an unscheduled visit to Universal Primary School, Rumukwurusi.
During the visit, Sir Walter expressed deep concern over the deplorable state of the school and its surrounding environment. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the development of the education sector, stressing its critical role in nation-building.
“I have visited the primary school in Ogbogoro, and now I’m here at the Universal Primary School, Rumukwurusi. I am not satisfied with what I’ve seen,” he stated, indicating that more surprise visits to schools would follow.
To address the issues, the Sole Administrator directed the Council Engineer to commence process for rehabilitation of the school.
The visit was part of a broader initiative aimed at conducting on-the-spot assessments of educational facilities to determine the level of intervention required by the local government council.
Dr. Walter also assured the teachers of his unwavering commitment to revamp the school and improve the learning environment for both staff and students.