Education

Special School Seeks Improved Feeding Arrangement

Published

9 years ago

March 13, 2017

The Special School for Handicapped Children in Borikiri, Port Harcourt, has appealed to the Rivers State Government to make it possible for its students to have an effective mode of feeding.
Making the appeal in an exclusive interview Friday, Principal of the Senior Secondary School, Mr. Fredrick Igbanibo Amachree, stated that the current feeding method under the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation was ineffective.
According to the Principal, the present feeding pattern, under the State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, has seen the student being treated more like those in rehabilitation centres than schools.
The result, he said, being that feeding of the students had so far not been given the priority it deserved, leading to poor performance of the students alongside other difficulties faced by them.
Currently, the Ministry of Education and Schools Management Board manage the school, while the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation cater for the feeding of the students.
“We are not a (Rehabilitation) home, but a school. Social Welfare also manages to provide for the homes that are under their care, but we are merely attached to them to help out since about eight years ago.
“Our appeal is that since the Schools Board manages schools, it will be more appropriate for the Ministry of Education to be incharge for the feeding of students in the school, so that special arrangements can be made specifically for the feeding of the students.
The principal explained that under the present feeding pattern, sometimes when food was made available, it cames in raw form, thus requiring the students to cook their foods themselves.
“This is very risky. These are children living with disabilities. To let such children handle naked light can be dangerous,” he said.
When contacted on telephone, the State Commissioner of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation , Hon. Damiete Miller said his Ministry was doing everything possible o provide for the students, given available resources.

Stories by Sobeba Dokubo

Education

ENUC President tasks ASTEC foundation Schools on dedication, value oriented teaching

Published

3 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

ASTEC Foundation Schools (AFS) owned by the seventh_ day adventist church had the distinct honour of hosting the President of the Eastern Nigeria Union Conference (ENUC), Pastor Onyebuchi Thomas Opara, on his first official pastoral visit to the institution Owerrita in Abia state, recently.

The visit which marked a significant moment in the history of the school, featured the dedication of the newly landscaped roads, dedication of renovated buildings and the consecration of pupils and staff.

The ENUC President who was accompanied by the President of the Aba North Conference (ANC), Pastor Henry Emeka Nwankwo, further emphasized the importance of the visit and the strong support of the Church leadership toward the advancement of Adventist education.

It is noteworthy that Pastor Onyebuchi Thomas Opara also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Management of ASTEC, demonstrating his deep commitment to the institution’s progress and mission.

Addressing the teachers students and pupils of the college at Owerrenta in Abia state over the weekend,Pastor Opara charged the teachers to see themselves as missionaries within the school system, emphasizing the need to model Christ-like character and values before the pupils entrusted to their care.

He encouraged them to regard their profession as a divine calling, shaping both the intellectual and spiritual lives of the learners.

In his welcome address, the Principal of ASTEC, Pastor Ahaoma Chigozirim Nwanma, PhD, warmly received the distinguished guests. He expressed heartfelt appreciation to the ENUC leadership for their continued support and commitment to the growth of the Adventist institution and humbly solicited their prayers for the staff and pupils.

The Headmistress of ASTEC Foundation Schools, Mrs. Charity Nwankwo, delivered the vote of thanks, and expressed deep gratitude to Pastor Opara for his pastoral visit and dedicatory prayers. She also acknowledged Pastor Henry Emeka Nwankwo and the ASTEC community leadership team for their consistent support, guidance, and commitment to the development of the Foundation Schools.

A special recognition was accorded to the PTA Chairman, Hon. (MG) Uzoma George, for his invaluable contributions and steadfast support to the school.

The visit was graced by ASTEC community leaders, as well as members of AFS staff and pupils, who gave a warm and enthusiastic reception to the visiting dignitaries.

The visit and dedication ceremony reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Church and school leadership to fostering a conducive learning environment that promotes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and character development.

By: Akujobi Amadi

Education

Opobo Kingdom moves to incorporate Ibani Language Into School Curriculum, Takes Off April

Published

3 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

In a bid to preserve the cultural heritage and promote the values of Opobo Kingdom, the Ibani Language will be reinstated and incorporated into the various communities and institutions of learning.

This reinstatement was declared by the Amanyanabo-Elect of Opobo Kingdom, Alabo Charles Douglas MacPepple-Jaja, Jeki VI , saying that the initiative will take effect from next month

The Amanyanabo-Elect made this statement during his speech recently in port Harcourt,where he stated that the initiative was a key component hinged on his five-point agenda.

The Monarch explained that the goal was to enhance the indigenous language and incorporate everyone at different strata including children and youths from ages 4-16.

The King Elect further added that, in order to achieve this, there would be deployment of modern multimedia tools to facilitate the process.

The Monarch also assured that research techniques will be deployed as there will be partnership with schools and communities across the Opobo clan.

He maintained that the execution of the project is a major step in the preservation of the Ibani Language and Cultural heritage of the people.

Education

RSG moves for transformative educational system on inclusive learning

Published

3 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, has reaffirmed his commitment to implementing a transformative education with the sole purpose of inclusive equitable learning across the state.

He said this during a meeting with staff of the ministry at Government Girls Secondary School, Rumuokwuta in port Harcourt,recently.

Nwagor, who took the opportunity to stressed that his mission is to equip youths of the state with required knowledge, skills and values needed to drive sustainable development for a long lasting prosperity for the state.

The commissioner noted that the ministry of education played critical roles in implementing government policies and programmes in line with the governor, Siminalayi Fubara’s development vision and agenda.

Nwagor urged members of staff to work collectively as a team in collaboration in translating the administration’s vision for education into reality.

“We must work together as a formidable and united team to translate the governor’s vision for education into reality. I cannot achieve this alone; I need your cooperation, dedication, and expertise. Your constructive ideas and suggestions are highly welcomed.” he said.

He further appreciated the governor for finding him worthy to serve as commissioner for education, and pledged to discharge his responsibilities with dedication, integrity, and a strong commitment to excellence.

Earlier in her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Azibaolanari Uzoma-Nwogu, welcomed the commissioner to the ministry and urged members of staff to work with him in moving the ministry forward.

In his vote of thanks, the Director of Administration, Mr. Emmanuel Dappa, thanked members of staff for attending the meeting and pledged their support towards the advancement of education in the state.

By: Akujobi Amadi