Education
New RSUST’s SUG Gets Legislative, Judicial Arms
For the first time in over
seven years, the Students Union Government (SUG) of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) now has legislative and judicial arms in addition to the existing executive arm.
Chairman of the election planning committee of the just concluded SUG election, Dr Isaac Zeb-Obipi stated this recently while presenting the committee’s report to the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Blessing Didia.
Dr Zeb-Obipi, who is also the Dean, Student Affairs of the university, explained that resuscitating the legislative and judicial arms of the students government was in accordance with the mandate of the Vice Chancellor.
According to him, “the VC gave the committee a mandate to uphold the interest of the students, and this the committee had fulfilled.
The two arms of government are “students’ Representative Council” and ‘Students’ Judicial Council; both of which, he said, have been put in place for effective students representation in the 2016/2017 academic session”.
Speaking at the occasion, the VC charged the newly elected SUG to be prepared “to make sacrifice for their fellow students in the course of your one year service in office”.
“Students leadership provides the platform for few students to lead their fellow students with huge price to pay, sometimes at the expense of their studies, the VC said.
The occasion, which also witnessed the inauguration of the new SUG executive, saw the VC appreciate the electoral committee for conducting a free, fair and credible election through electronic voting system.
In his acceptance speech the new SUG President, Comrade Alali Daniel Daminabo assured that he will fulfil his campaign promises.
This, he says, is that “students will feel the impact of unionism with the reintroduction of a valve system based on leadership, sacrifice and selfless service”.
Other members of the executive council are Patience Spender Sunday, Vice President, Confidence Atuegbu, Secretary-General, Victor O. Elemchukwu, Assistant Secretary-General; Promise Osigwe Financial Secretary.
Also elected are Adokiye C. Tamunosikima (Director of Social), Favour Nubeabu Ndi (Welfare Secretary), Idamlebhonoani Harry Edoghotu, Public Relations Officer, Godgift Celestine Nwogu, (DOS) and ThankGod Enyi Harold (Transport and Equipment Secretary).
In a goodwill message, the State Commissioner for Information, Dr Austin Tam-George charged the new executive to be team players and work for the welfare of the entire students.
The commissioner, who was represented by the Director of Public Enlightenment in the Ministry of Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, congratulated the VC for introducing the electronic voting system that ensured a conclusive election.
Also speaking, the outgone SUG President, Faith Nna Barigboto, expressed gratitude to God for the success her administration recorded and charged the new SUG executive to exceed the achievements of her administration.
Also in attendance at the occasion were principal officers of the University, Deans of Faculties, Directors of Institutes and Centres, Staff and Students of the University.
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.