Education

WAEC: Any Fee Above N15,000 Is Outrageous –Perm Sec

Published

10 years ago

February 15, 2016

Acting Provost, Rivers State College of Arts and Science (RIVCAS), Dr Samuel B. Kalagbor (middle), Registrar of the college, Georgenia Benwoke (right) and Acting Head, Library, Mrs Eisemen Lulu-Pokubo, at the 25th matriclation ceremony of new students in Port Harcourt on Thursday

Amidst cries of hike
in fees for registration for the 2016 West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examination, the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Education, Dr Patricia Ogbonaya says any increase in the fee above N15,000 is illegal.
In an exclusive interview with The Tide in her office, the Permanent Secretary stated categorically that the exact amount required to register for WAEC is about N11,000.
“The actual amount is about N11,000 and something, but put it at N15,000 to take care of administrative costs and everything, which include monitoring of examinations.
“This amount includes the amount added by the Ministry of Education. On top of the WAEC fee, we do not have more than N3,000,” she explained.
Confirming the approved WAEC fee, the Zonal Co-ordinator of WAEC in Rivers State, Mr Humphrey Ubaka said the official amount required for registration is N11,795.00.
While also confirming complaints of a hike in WAEC fee by principals, Mr Ubaka hinted that having announced the actual amount, it is left for parents to be guided by it.
“Any candidate that is paying outside what is supposed to be paid knows why he/she is paying such amount . The school must have assured them that they are going to write for them,” he said.
The Tide’s investigations revealed that some principals charged as much as N20,000, for the WAEC fee and N5,000, for what they claim was added by the Ministry of Education .
Further investigations revealed that while most parents/guardians complained about hike in the WAEC fee, none of them had been able to provide evidence of such hike because receipts were not given them to reflect the increase by the principals or school authorities involved in the increase.
Meanwhile, the Acting Provost of Rivers State College of Arts and Science (RIVCAS), Dr Samuel B. Kalagbor has refuted claims that the institution’s Niger Delta Science School (NDSS) Charges as high as N100,000 as WAEC fee.
That is untrue, malicious, and mendacious. When people have information, it is important that you go to the appropriate authority to find out it is unthinkable that an institution will charge over N100,000 as WAEC fee,” he said.
Dr Kalagbor explained that “what actually happened was that because of the experiences of the past, for Senior Secondary School (SSS) III, we make them pay all three term fees in addition to the WAEC fees, which amounted to N148,800.”
A breakdown of this amount, shows that each of the three term fees is N38,600, while the WAEC or NECO fee is N33,000.

Stories by Sogbeba Dokubo

Education

BUK Taps Content Creators to Expand Its Digital Footprint

Published

2 days ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has unveiled a team of Digital Media Ambassadors as part of efforts to strengthen the institution’s online presence and deepen engagement with stakeholders.

The initiative was announced in a statement signed by the Head of the Digital Media Unit, Mr Nura Garba, and shared on the university’s official social media platforms.

According to the statement, the Digital Media Unit held its inaugural meeting with the selected content creators on Monday at the unit’s office in the Senate Building.

Garba explained that the ambassadors were appointed to serve as digital brand advocates for the university across various online platforms.

“The ambassadors will serve as digital brand advocates, content creators and community connectors, helping to expand the University’s online reach and engagement,” he said.

He added that the appointees would support official communication, promote university events, document campus experiences and provide feedback on public perception of BUK across digital platforms.

Isa Kaita College

The appointed ambassadors are Ameer Umar Ibrahim, Arafat Yakubu Onono, Okeneme Favour Mmesoma, Abubakar Zubair (Master), Mustapha Sani Jibril, Auwal Muhammad Hamma, Idris Abdullahi, Nuruddeen Murtala Muhammad, Mukhtar Muhammad and Samuel Maina.

Garba noted that the initiative forms part of the university’s broader strategy to enhance its digital footprint and ensure effective, timely communication with internal and external stakeholders.

“The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to professionalism, collaboration and the promotion of the University’s image on global digital platforms,” the statement added.

Education

RSU Warns Fresh Students Against Malpractices, Cultism, Admits 5,601 for 2025/2026 Session

Published

2 days ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State University (RSU) Nkpolu Oroworukwu, Port Harcourt has warned fresh students against examination malpractices and cultism, describing such acts as serious offences in the university.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, stated this on Wednesday while admitting 5,601 fresh students offered admission to study in the university for the 2025/2026 academic session during its 44th Matriculation Ceremony held at the Convocation Arena.

Prof. Zeb-Obipi warned the students that the university has zero tolerance for examination malpractices, cultism, and other anti-social activities that are detrimental to the university’s growth and advancement, adding that the punishment for such nefarious acts is outright expulsion from the university.

The VC congratulated the students on earning admission through merit and advised them to pursue academic excellence, discipline, integrity, and leadership. He emphasized the importance of these values in shaping their future and contributing to national development.

Prof. Zeb-Obipi encouraged the students to take advantage of the opportunities available at RSU, including academic programs, research facilities, and extracurricular activities. He urged them to be proactive and make the most of their time at the university.

The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the university’s achievements and contributions to the region, including its research output, community engagement, and alumni success stories. He assured the students that they are joining a vibrant and dynamic community that is committed to excellence.

Prof. Zeb-Obipi also encouraged timely payment of fees and proper registration, highlighting support opportunities like the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). He advised students to be diligent in their academic pursuits and avoid financial difficulties.

The faculty distribution of matriculants includes: Administration & Management – 735; Agriculture – 52; College of Medical Sciences – 988; Communication & Media Studies – 702; Education – 130; Engineering – 1,137; Environmental Sciences – 137; Humanities – 204; Law – 218; Medical Laboratory Sciences – 71; Science – 962; and Social Sciences – 265.

Prof. Zeb-Obipi thanked parents and guardians for trusting RSU with their children’s education and encouraged them to use the Student Sponsor Account on the University portal to track progress. He also urged staff to continue shaping the minds and character of the next generation.

The Vice-Chancellor urged students to uphold RSU’s motto: Excellence and Creativity. He reminded them that their education at RSU is a privilege and a responsibility, and that they should strive to make the most of it.

The matriculation ceremony was a moment of celebration and new beginnings for the fresh students, who were welcomed to the RSU community with open arms. The university looks forward to shaping them into well-rounded graduates who will make a positive impact in society.

The ceremony ended with a charge to the students to be ambassadors of the university and to uphold the values of excellence, creativity, and integrity.

By: Akujobi Amadi

Education

IAUE VC Praises Lale’s Legacy as Renowned Academic and Visionary Leader

Published

2 days ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

The Vice chancellor Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) Rumuolumeni port Harcourt Rivers state, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, has described Professor N. E. S. Lale as an exceptional scholar and administrator whose contributions to university education have left an enduring legacy.

Onuchuku made the remarks during the grand retirement reception held in honour of Professor Lale at the IAUE Auditorium, Main Campus Rumuolumeni, in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the state recently.

He noted that the reception was organised to celebrate Professor Lale’s distinguished academic career, visionary leadership, and invaluable service to the Nigerian university system.

The Vice-Chancellor said Professor Lale distinguished himself as a visionary leader, noting that his tenure as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt was marked by academic stability, institutional growth, and purposeful governance.

He commended Professor Lale’s commitment to academic excellence, research advancement, and strengthening of university systems.

According to Onuchuku, Professor Lale exemplified integrity, discipline, and selfless service, qualities that earned him respect within and outside the academic community. He described Professor Lale as a dedicated mentor who nurtured generations of scholars and administrators across the Nigerian university system.

Onuchuku noted that Professor Lale’s leadership style promoted collaboration, innovation, and human capacity development. He said the public lecture delivered at the event reflected the depth of experience and insight acquired by Professor Lale over decades of academic and administrative service.

The Vice-Chancellor pointed out that the lecture offered valuable lessons on leadership, scholarship, and service to emerging academics and university administrators. He highlighted the presentation of two scholarly books authored by Professor Lale as evidence of his commitment to research and knowledge production.

Onuchuku attributed the retirement reception as a fitting tribute to a man whose life and career were devoted to the advancement of education and national development. The event was a celebration of Professor Lale’s legacy and contributions to the academic community.

The retirement reception was attended by academics, administrators, and dignitaries from various universities and institutions. It was a testament to Professor Lale’s impact and influence in the academic community.

Professor Lale’s retirement marks the end of an era, but his legacy continues to inspire and motivate future generations of scholars and administrators. IAUE and the academic community at large will remember his contributions and achievements.

The Vice-Chancellor and the academic community wish Professor Lale a happy retirement and success in his future endeavours.

By: King onuwor