Education
Students Produce RivPoly Paints
In line with the empha
sis placed by education authorities on more practical education, students of the Rivers State Polytechnic, Bori have developed and produced the institutions own brand of paints, awaiting the approval of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) before they is commercialised.
The Rector of the school, Sir Obianko Nwolu-Elechi made this revelation recently at the 18th-20th convocation lecture of the school in Bori.
In his opening speech, he t emphasised that the school authority’s focus on technical education, as is usually peculiar to polytechnic, noting that the result was the production of the paint.
While noting that emphasis on technical education in Nigeria in the last two years has become over-whelming, he stated that “in all the five or four common wealth Association Conferences, this had been the focal point, and ours cannot be an exception.
“Today we are re-examining the role that Polytechnics are supposed to play in the technical development of Nigeria.
“In this Bori Polytechnic, there is a Paradym Shift from mere academic resources, to practical issues, because we are aware that Polytechnic System of education is more of practical orientation than academic exercise,” he said.
The Rector also revealed that in addition to the Paint, Staff and students of the School have also produced other items that have been sent for scrutiny and subsequent approval by relevant authorities in Abuja.
He stated that when the SON Confirms the Paint as having met the required standard, everything will be made possible “for us to commercialise the production of the paint.
“That is the little we think we can contribute to society, and we have encouraged our staff and students that all hands must be on deck to ensure effective realisation of our dreams.
Last week Wednesday. 27 law makers loyal to Governor Chibuike Amaechi issued a statement to condemn the expulsion of some commissioners from the PDP. According to them, the reasons, methodology and procedures that led to these pronouncements are unconstitutional by reasons of Article 21 (4) (5) (6) of the constitution of the People Democratic Party.
On Thursday last week National Assembly members together with, local government chairman of the PDP, the Rivers State Executive Council and local government Chairman in the 23 councils formally announced their boycott of the PDP Mini-convention billed to held last Saturday at Abuja.
Speaking unbehalfof each of the group were, Honourable Asita for National Assembly members, Dr Tammy Danagogo of Rivers Executive Council, Chimbiko Akawlo Spoke for the council chairman, while Samuel Horsfall for Party Chairmen.
Asita gave reasons for the boycott and said, “we are worried about the rascality which activities of the party is carried out in Rivers State, we are aware that the Mini-convention is on Saturday and we had hoped that the party at the centre take steps to put things right. Having watched over time our party gliding into disrepute.”
Stories by Sogbeba Dokubo
Cross section of beneficiaries, during cradle to career scholarship scheme organised by Shell Petroleum Development Company at Brookstone School, Igwuruta, Port Harcourt. Photo: Obinna Prince Dele
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.