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SPDC Pledges Funding For RSU’s Centre

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9 years ago

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The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, operator of the NNPC/Shell/Total, Agip Joint Venture, has pledged sustained annual subvention for the Rivers State University’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) to enable it meet its mandate, and fast-track academic excellence in specific fields to bridge technical manpower gaps in the region.
The company also said that for the centre to run smoothly, a board of trustees made up of distinguished academic team from the Rivers State University and experts from SPDC will work in synergy to give the centre the best it can have.
The SPDC disclosed this while commissioning the Centre of Excellence in Marine and Offshore Engineering, last Thursday, at the Amphitheatre, RSU, Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of SPDC, Mr Osagie Okunbor, stated that the centre would be open to students who meet the minimum entry requirements of a Second-Class Upper Division, with minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.8 in Marine Engineering, adding that the special programme would last for 18-months.
Okunbor, who is also the country chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, further advised RSU management that as partners in the project, the institution should nominate a director, who would coordinate the academic and research programmes at the centre.
He stated that SPDC was exploring a window for collaboration with the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) in order to encourage the participation of other well-positioned stakeholders to make the CoE a reference point.
Okunbor listed three core business strategies of the company, which emphasise, “Make it safe, make it work, and make it grow” and expressed optimism that the CoE would internalise those values and make them work for the university, while urging the first African Professor of Marine Engineering, Professor Kelvin Datonye Bobmanuel, to ensure that the three business strategies work in the centre.
In his remarks, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, expressed appreciation to SPDC for the kind gesture, and hoped that the facility would help foster collaboration between oil and gas industry and the academia to promote best practices in Marine and Offshore exploration, given the deltaic nature of the state.
Wike hoped that “the centre would help produce a crop of graduates that would specialize in technological innovations, scientific studies and general technical tasks associated with offshore oil and gas exploration and production of vessels, thereby enhancing manpower development in the state.”
Represented by the Commissioner for Education, Prof Kaniye Ebeku, the governor commended the company for the gesture, and described SPDC as a good corporate citizen, who has done its part, while urging the students to make proper use of the CoE by ensuring that no aspect of the facilities at the centre is misused.

 

Stories by Susan Serekara-Nwihana

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Education

K-SAFE Calls for Increased Education Funding, Transparency in Kano

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5 days ago

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February 16, 2026

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The Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE) has called for sustained funding releases, improved transparency, and stronger focus on learning outcomes to consolidate recent gains in the education sector in Kano State.
The appeal was made by Dr. Auwalu Halilu, Co-Chair representing civil society organisations, during a goodwill message at the 2026 Education Sector Joint Steering Committee Meeting held in the state.
Addressing the Commissioner for Education, committee members, development partners, and other stakeholders, Dr. Halilu expressed appreciation for the opportunity given to civil society groups to participate in the high-level policy dialogue.
He commended the Kano State Government and relevant agencies for progress made in expanding access to education, strengthening teacher recruitment, and advancing non-formal and second-chance education programmes.
Dr. Halilu, however, stressed the importance of ensuring consistent release of funds to support ongoing reforms and programmes aimed at improving education delivery. He also urged authorities to enhance transparency in the implementation of education initiatives and place greater emphasis on measurable learning outcomes.
He further highlighted the need to promote safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments, particularly for vulnerable children, to ensure equitable access to quality education.
Isa Kaita College
According to him, sustained collaboration between government, civil society organisations, and development partners remains essential to strengthening education systems and improving outcomes for learners.
Dr. Halilu reaffirmed K-SAFE’s commitment to constructive engagement and accountability, noting that civil society organisations are ready to work closely with stakeholders to support continuous improvement in education delivery in the state and across Nigeria.
He said the forum remains dedicated to promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusive education policies that will benefit all children.
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Education

Rotary Clubs Advance Literacy, Hygiene, Others at New Haven School

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5 days ago

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February 16, 2026

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The Rotary Club of New Haven, in partnership with the Rotary Clubs of Enugu City Centre and Enugu Metropolis, alongside the Rotaract Club of New Haven and the Interact Club of New Haven, has launched a targeted initiative to promote literacy, hygiene, and career development among students of New Haven Secondary School, Enugu.
The programme, themed “Our Youths, Our Future: Bringing Back the Reading Culture,” engaged students, educators, and community stakeholders through structured learning sessions and practical workshops.
A highlight of the initiative was the reactivation of the school’s Interact Club, with 36 students formally inducted into Rotary’s youth arm. Additionally, 216 students received curated reading materials designed to strengthen literacy and critical thinking skills.
Students also participated in career-focused seminars and practical sessions covering hygiene protocols and digital research skills.
Dr. Chukwudi Madu led demonstrations on proper handwashing techniques, emphasized the role of water in maintaining health, and provided guidance on medical career pathways.
Other facilitators addressed opportunities in art and design, laboratory sciences, and strategic career planning tailored to students’ aptitudes.
Dr. Chukwudi Madu demonstrates proper handwashing techniques to students during the hygiene and health session organized by the Rotary Clubs at New Haven Secondary School.
Complementing the student-centered activities, the clubs conducted a Peace and Conflict Resolution Management session for teachers and staff.
Teachers, staff, and Rotary facilitators of New Haven Secondary School pose for a group photo following the Peace and Conflict Resolution Management session led by Past President Tony Eze and Past Assistant Governor Stella Eneh.
In addition, the clubs donated books to the school library and presented recognition gifts to the principal and vice principal overseeing the Interact Club.
In his response, the principal of New Haven Secondary School, Mr. Charles Obetta, expressed appreciation to the Rotary Clubs for their generosity and urged continued support for future school initiatives, a commitment the clubs have assured.
Organizers described the initiatives as part of a broader strategic framework aimed at advancing education, youth development, and community resilience in Enugu.
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Education

RSU VC  tasks new Deans on quality leadership, team work 

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2 weeks ago

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February 9, 2026

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The Vice chancellor of the Rivers state university (RSU)Nkpolu Oroworukwu port Harcourt,prof Isaac Zeb -Obipi has tasked the newly inaugurated el Deans to be agents of positive leadership and foster team work in other to promote unity across their various facilities.
 The Vice-Chancellor stated this while inaugurating the newly elected eleven  Deans of the university held recently in port Harcourt and expressed his appreciation to the Committee of Provosts and Deans, led by the Provost, College of Medical Sciences, Prof. Kenneth S. Ordu, for their unwavering support since he assumed office, noting that such commitment was deeply valued.
He also commended the Electoral Committee chaired by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Blessing R. Jaja, for conducting a free and noted that the committee addressed all issues and concerns with professionalism, a development which has informed Management’s decision to produce formal Electoral Guidelines and Code of Conduct in a Handbook for use in future elections.
The Vice-Chancellor congratulated the newly elected Deans on their emergence, describing their success as a clear indication of the confidence reposed in them by members of their respective faculties.
 He urged them to provide quality leadership, foster unity, uphold mutual respect regardless of status, and ensure inclusive administration in the discharge of their duties.
The newly inaugurated Deans are Prof. John Ohaka (Faculty of Administration and Management), Prof. David Kiin-Kabari (Faculty of Agriculture), Prof. Barigbon G. Nsereka (Faculty of Communication and Media Studies), Prof. Isaac N. Dokubo (Faculty of Education), Prof. Enwuso Aleruchi Igwe (Faculty of Engineering), Prof. Paulinus W. Ihua (Faculty of Environmental Sciences), Prof. Jones M. Jaja (Faculty of Humanities), Prof. Grace Akolokwu (Faculty of Law), Prof. Ebirien-Agana S. Bartimaues (Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science), Prof. Ndokiari Boisa (Faculty of Science), and Prof. Emmanuel B. Okemini (Faculty of Social Sciences).
The highlight of the ceremony was the administration of the oath of office by the Director of Legal Services, Barr. Tamuno Williams, followed by the signing of the Dean’s Register and presentation of appointment letters to the Deans by the Vice-Chancellor.
By: Akujobi Amadi
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