Education
…As Staff Welfare Tops Provost’s Dev Plans
In a bid to turn around
the fortunes announced his strategic plan for the development of the school. of the Rivers State College of Arts and Science (RIVCAS), the new Acting Provost of the institution, Dr. Samuel Kalagbor, has streamlined his strategic plan.
In his maiden speech at a meeting with staff of the institution, on Thursday, Dr. Kalagbor stated that his administration will improve the academic status of the institution, while also enhancing the welfare and staff of students.
Another area that would be given attention, according to him is the accreditation of more courses by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and human capacity development.
Introduction of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in students registration, processing and release of examination results, as well as provision of internet facilities for effective and productive teaching, learning and research forms another focus.
“The importance of ICT in modern day teaching, learning and research activities cannot be over emphasised.
“Today, if you are in academics, you must be ICT compliant. The era of analogue lectures and administration is gone,” he said.
Dr. Kalagbor also stated that another aspect of his strategic plan is to provide conducive offices for lecturers, lecture halls, classrooms and hostel accommodation.
According to him, the strategic plan is aimed at achieving short term, medium term and long term goals and objectives, noting that the details of “the quality content situation will be unveiled at the appropriate time.
Commenting on the Acting Provost’s strategic plan, Chairman of Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP), RIVCAS branch, Comrade Nyekwere Chinemezu acknowledged its feasibility, given the pedigree of the new provost.
He, however, noted that should there be any cause to remind the Provost of the plan, in case of any default, it will be done.
In a post-meeting exclusive interview,Comrade Chinemezu expressed satisfaction over the choice of Dr Kalagbor as Acting Provost, being what the institution popularly called Internally Generated Rector (IGR).
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.