Education
PH Poly Plans Big For Internent Connectivity
The Rivers State Government-owned Port Harcourt Polytechnic will soon compete favourably with its peers at the global level, according to the Rector of the institution, Dr Samuel Kalagbor.
Dr Kalagbor, who made this revelation recently, when the institution played host to the House Committee on Information, Communication Technology (ICT) of the State House of Assembly, explained that the process if achieving the feat was already being put in place.
“We are partnering with some internet services providers, so that we would be able to establish and constitute uninterruptable access to internet”, he said.
He stated that the school had in the past commenced the process, but failed at a point because it could not cope with the financial demands, which, he said, currently stands at about N400,000 monthly.
According to him, this time around, it is being planned in such a way that both staff and students will contribute minimally towards its sustenance.
“Part of the strategy management is considering is to ensure that since staff will also enjoy access to the internet once the full package is worked out, they will be required to subscribe for it with as little as N500 or N1,000 monthly.
“For that of the students, we are going to build it into the pay regime,” he explained.
He, however, explained that the processes would be implemented in phases.
Currently, he continued, modalities to commence sale and purchase of forms, as well as registration would be done online, and students can also access their results online.
“Beginning from this session, we are working out modalities to ensure that collection of forms, sale of forms, payment of school fees and related charges will be done online”, he said.
In his address, Chairman of the House Committee on ICT, Hon. Wanaka Okpokiri Wanaka, stated that the committee was in the school to among other things, ascertain possible areas of collaboration.
“Why we are here today is to come and over see what you are doing concerning ICT. How you are faring, things you feel we can also do to improve your services and made sure there is smooth running of your administration that has to do with ICT”, he said.
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.