Education
V-C Charges Maiden Diploma Law Students On Studies
The Vice Chancellor of the
University of Port Harcourt (Uniport), Professor Joseph Ajienka last Friday tasked the first 230 Diploma Law students of the institutions emergent law faculty to be studious.
Professor Ajienka, who gave the charge at a two-day orientation programme organized by the faculty of Law, told the students to also “uphold the high reputation of the university at all times as worthy ambassador of the Institution.
While expressing satisfaction with the measures initiated so far by the Pioneer Dean of the faculty, Professor Kaniye Ebeku and his team at fulfilling the aspirations of the university in establishing the Faculty of Law, he promised the commitment of his administration to the success of the faculty.
He noted that the administration “will do everything possible to develop a befitting faculty of Law that would compete favourably with its peers in and outside the country.”
The Vice Chancellor, who was represented by the Director, College of continuing education (CCE), Professor Steve Okodudu, further commended the collaboration between CCE and the Faculty of Law, which facilitated the commcement of the Diploma Programme, being midwife by the college.
In his welcome address, the Dean of the Law faculty, Professor Ebeku recalled that senate of the University approved the establishment of the Faculty of Law at its 337th Extra-ordinary meeting in February, 2008.
He, however, expressed regret that no action was taken until 2010 when the university advertised for the recruitment of academic staff and later appointed him as pioneer Dean in 2013.
Professor Ebeka explained that “Successful graduates of the Diploma in Law Programe will be admitted as direct entry candidates into the 200-level of the LLB programe, which would hopefully commence in the next academic session after obtaining the necessary approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Council of Legal Education (CLE)”.
For those who may be worried about the LLB Programme, he said,” Let me assure you that the Faculty of Law, working with important university officers and organs, is vigorously pursuing relevant processes for obtaining the approval of the NUC and the CLE.
While thanking the Vice Chancellor for his commitment towards the commencement of legal studies in the university, Professor Ebeku noted that “apart from persuing the construction of a multi-purpose Faculty of Law building (currently ongoing), he approved part of the Emerald Energy Institute Building as a temporary take-off site of the Faculty of Law.
He approved recommendations for appointment of law lectuers of various ranks without delay and has furnished the staff officer in a way equated by only a few Nigerian Law faculties,” he said.
Sogbeba Dokubo
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.