Education
RSG Recommits To Technical Education
Rivers State Government has restated its commitment towards repositioning technical/vocational education in the state.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Technical/Vocational Education, Prof Owate Isreal disclosed this at the official commissioning of the Port Harcourt Technical and Vocational Centre (PHTVC) held recently in Port Harcourt.
The Special Adviser who noted that over the years, technical education in the state had been abandoned, said the present administration-led by Governor Nyesom Wike, decided to reverse the situation because of the importance of technical education in the society.
“Technical and vocational education (TVET) has been an integral part of national development strategies in most advanced countries because of its impact on production of skilled manpower, productivity and economic development.
“Despite its relevant contributions, most leaders in Nigeria have not given this aspect of education the attention it deserves”.
According to him, the vision of the new impetus on education is to provide and reactivate world-class technical and vocational education centres in the state for the purpose of continually producing professionally skilled workforce that are employable in modern industries.
The head of the centre, Mr. Theimer Uwe said it is a long term benefit for young people in the state and would provide high quality vocational training that would enable them either find jobs after training or create employment for others.
Uwe explained that students would take advantage of numerous companies in the state for practical exposure while the centre would provide the theoretical aspect of the training.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Kaniye Ebeku, said the centre was partnership with the state government and a Germane organization and that Nigeria trainers had already been trained in Germany and would commence training students of the centre.
He said the programme will train students on plumbing, welding, Electrical amongst other trades and that it would enhance employment as the trainees would become self employed or create employment for others.
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.