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Biogas, Solution To Nigeria’s Energy Problems -Don

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A Professor of Applied
Microbiology, Confidence K. Wachukwu says the solution to Nigeria’s teething unreliable energy supply is Biogas, a waste product which is abundant in the country.
Professor Wachukwu, who stated this midweek in his inaugural lecture at Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), hinted that all it would take to have enough Biogas was the political will to turn the available waste in the country to energy.
In the lecture titled, “Microorganisms, Providing Solutions to Some Food And Environmental Challenges,” Wachukwu stated that Nigeria produces so much domestic waste that could generate enough energy capable of serving as an alternative source.
In spite of this possibilities, however, he noted that the country did not have the political will to turn around its abundant wastes to energy, which would have been started by providing formal waste dumps.
“One of the major environmental problems confronting the nation (Nigeria) today is how to manage our wastes properly, be it domestic, industrial, or hazardous wastes.
“The commonly practiced waste disposal method in Nigeria is the open dumping, which constitutes major environmental and health challenges.
“Approximately 70 per cent of Nigeria’s 150 million people live in areas where no formal waste management systems are in place,” he said.
This, he continued, is in recognition of the fact that though Nigeria is an oil producer, the country “faces a severe energy crisis because of continuous supply distractions.’
“Nigeria’s centralised oil and gas distribution networks are easy targets for rebels, energy hackers and criminals alike.
“However, Nigeria has a resource in waste that can provide a much safer decentralised flow of energy. The technology is simple, easy to manage, highly efficient, renewable and economical.
“The resource would  take away urban pollution and waste streams, a major problem in Nigeria’ rapidly growing cities. This resource is Biogas,” he said.
He explained that Biogas could be got from domestic, industrial and hazardous  wastes through processes which have been tested and found to be an alternative source of energy supply, but has to start by a decision to have identified areas where wastes can be disposed off for the purpose of producing Biogas.
Professor Wachukwu thus recommended that “the South-South states of Nigeria should pool their resources together and construct a good sanitary Land fill site where wastes should be properly managed and treated.”
Beyond this, he also stated that there “should be an institutional framework for renewable energy education in Nigeria to come up with policies geared towards increasing the adoption of Biogas technology.
“The engineers, microbiologists or agricultural scientists should form a synergy for efficient and effective Biogas production from biogradable wastes,” the professor said.

 

Sogbeba Dokubo

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Education

‘Our Target Is To Go Beyond Academic Accomplishments’

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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

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Education

Niger Delta Students Suspend Protest Against NDDC In PH

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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

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Education

Administrator Inspects School

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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.

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