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UNIPORT Produces Nigeria’s Ist Nuclear Engineers
The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Choba in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State has recorded a breakthrough of graduating the first set of Nigerian-trained nuclear engineers, an official has said.
The Director of the Centre for Nuclear Studies, Prof. Ayoada Kuye told newsmen on Wednesday in Port Harcourt that the first set are six in number, stating that the six graduates were not only the pioneers in the institution but also in the country.
He said that seven additional nuclear engineers would graduate soon.
Kuye said that the programme was carried out in collaboration with the University of Maiduguri, Obafemi Awolowo University, and Ahmadu Bello University with sponsorship from the National Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC).
He said that the UNIPORT was the only university in the country to admit and graduate students in nuclear engineering.
“NAEC had mandated four universities to develop a curriculum for the study of Nuclear Science and Engineering at the Masters Degree level, and of which UNIPORT is the first to graduate its students.
“The programme, which lasted for 15 months, had the students spend six months at a research centre provided by NAEC in Sheda, Abuja, before completing other courses and projects at UNIPORT”, he disclosed.
On the quality of the nuclear engineers, Kuye said, “the beauty of the programme is that the facilities for the project were locally based.’’
“It is gladdening to note that out of the six projects done, we have three published in internationally journals of repute, two others are awaiting publication too.
“If they are good for such publications, it means that the quality of graduates is also high.
“The resource persons, who came from all parts of the world, were drawn from the collaborating universities, NAEC and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).’’
Kuye said that the new nuclear engineers would make their own contributions to the Federal Government’s bid to diversify the nation’s energy sector.
He said that the move conformed to President Goodluck Jonathan’s willingness to discover other alternative energy areas to boost electricity supply in the country.
The don said that the centre was already putting measures in place to offer doctorate degrees in Nuclear Science and Engineering to promote the discipline in the country.
“The bachelor of engineering programme had been approved by the university’s Senate, and so, we intend to move forward to the doctoral level.
“To accomplish this; I have already started talking to foreign universities on possible collaboration with the University of Port Harcourt,” he said.
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
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