Education
Nsirim Tasks Institute On Professionalism
The Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, has tasked the management of Alpha Institute of Broadcasting and Communications (AIBC) to ensure the utilisation of its professional potentials in the discharge of its duties.
Nsirim, who said this at the graduation ceremony of first and second batches of Course 2019, weekend in Port Harcourt, said the ministry believed in the enormous professional potentials of the institute.
According to the commissioner represented by the Director of Research and Statistics, Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Mr Dan Oruwari, “as a ministry, it is our belief that the professional potential of AIBC is enormous when fully realised and unleashed on the broadcasting and media industry in the state in particular and the nation at large”.
He however, said the institute was bound to face challenges in the realisation of its objective.
“Our appeal in the circumstances is that its founders and management should find strength in the wise saying that “tough times do not last, but tough people do”.
Nsirim urged the graduands to use the opportunity provided by the programme to carve a niche for themselves in the broadcast industry.
In his address, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive of the institute, Mr Kalada Wilson said the institute was established to fill the prevalent training gap and updating of skills of broadcasters, public speakers and communicators to keep pace with the changes and trends in the vibrant broadcast and communication sector.
“The birth of AIBC was further inspired by the clamour for an institution where quality and responsive journalism, presentation and public speaking will be taught, while leveraging on the experiences and alliances with leading broadcast institution nationally and globally”, he said.
Wilson listed the durations of courses at the institute to include regular course which runs for 16 weeks, weekend programme for working class people, executive classes, short term courses amongst others.
He also used the occasion to eulogise the founder of the institute, Late Pastor Bernard Opubo Graham Douglas, who died recently.
About 26 students participated in the graduation ceremony.
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.