Education
Don Charges RSUST On Science, Technology Dev
Group News Editor of The Tide Newspaper, Mr. Nelson Chukwudi (left), displaying a copy of the paper while explaining a point to pupils of Noble Giant International School, Igwuruta, during an excursion visit to The Tide office in Port Harcourt, last Thursday. Photo: Iboioye Diama
A university lecturer,
Professor Peter A. Okebukola, has charged the Rivers State University of Science and Technology to stand up and be counted in terms of its role in developing science and technology in Nigeria and the world at large.
Professor Okebukola gave the charge in a recent pre-27th convocation lecture of the university in Port Harcourt.
According to him, in the face of challenges to science, technology and innovation in Nigeria, RSUST, as a university established 35 years ago, stands a good chance to squeeze more mileage from science and technology in our post – 2015 development drive.’
How this can be achieved, he said, will greately involve the faculties of agriculture, engineering, science, through mathematics/computer science programes working with computer engineering department.
“The faculty of agriculture should work with the faculty of engineering to take leadership in new techniques in fish farming and in precision agriculture technologies for spatial and temporal management of irrigation, application of nutrients and other inputs for better crop yield.
“Within the next few years, it should provide a prototype of farm machinery that is guided by global positioning system satellites. It should also set up a model scheme for the nation to engage Agricultural Information System (AIS) and wireless technology to enhance effective mapping of crops, livestock and fish production,” he said.
Okebukola, who is currently the chairman of council at Crawford University, Igbesa, Ogun State, explained that the two faculties alongside the faculty of environmental sciences could ensure sustainable agricultural production.
He said they should be a leader in the intensive use of satellite imagery to predict weather and or climate changes that effect agricultural production, promote greater use of highly productive and disease resistant crops, livestock, poultry and fish streams, breeds and species; and promote the use of green technology to ensure sustainable agricultural production, safe and clean environment.
The faculty of science, he continued, should through its mathematical /computer science programs, working with computer engineering department of the faculty of engineering “initiate the development of applications for use on mobile devices for delivering quality education, healthcare and for promoting better ethical values among citizenry”.
While noting that the faculty of engineering should be the arrow head of new technologies for the agriculture, education, health, defence, housing, works and power sectors of the economy, he explained that new technologies mean “contemporary next-generation technologies that suit the African context.”
He also said the faculty of technical and science education “should address issues relating to poverty alleviation and work with relevant faculties, especially management sciences in developing prototypes of new businesses for the teeming proportion of unemployed youths.”
Stories by 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.