Education

Delta Ranks Highest With State Universities In Nigeria

Published

5 years ago

March 29, 2021

Delta State may have emerged the state with the highest number of universities in Nigeria, with the recent approval of three more universities by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The National Universities Commission (NUC) recently approved the upgrade of three institutions in Delta State to universities.

The newly approved universities are the Delta State University, Agbor; Dennis Osadebe University, Asaba; and the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro.

The state, with the three approved universities in addition to the one already in existence, now has four universities.

It also has two federal universities, namely; Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko; and Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun, making the total number of universities in the state six.

The approval was given by the Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, when the Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, led top state government officials to present strategic documents of the universities at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, last Friday.

Rasheed, at the presentation of letter of recognition, charged the governor to provide sustainable financial resources for the survival of the universities.

“Today, Delta State with this three will have four state universities and making it the state with the largest number of public universities in the country.

“It is something worth celebrating, we advise the governor to kindly make the universities to serve the purpose they are created for by providing sustainable funding.

“The Delta State University, Agbor, is the 54th university in the country, while the Delta State University of Science and Technology is the 52nd university in the country.

“With this, we now have 197 universities in the country, 98 of them are public universities, and 99 of them are private.

“The total enrolment in the 99 private universities is slightly over five per cent of the total enrolment in the university system.

“We have only 2.1 million university students and only five per cent are accounted for in the 99 private universities.

“So, we need governors who are education friendly to come up with this initiative and to follow it up with concrete plans and arrangements for the success of the universities so established.

“No doubt you will do something to ensure the universities do not become beggars,” he said.

Rasheed, however, said that the commission would continue to work with the state to ensure the universities took their place among other universities.

Responding, the Delta State Goverrnor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, said the sharp increase in demand for degree programmes necessitated the upgrade of the institutions.

By: Albert Ograka, Asaba

Education

RSU Don Identifies Obstacles To Nigeria’s Road Construction Success

Published

2 hours ago

March 30, 2026

The Tide

A professor of Highway Engineering at the Rivers State University (RSU), Prof. Emmanuel Osilemme Ekwulo, has identified poor designs, inadequate materials, insufficient testing, and lack of accountability as major obstacles to the success of highway construction projects in the country.

Ekwulo made this remark in Port Harcourt last Wednesday during the 128th inaugural lecture series of the university, where he presented a lecture titled “Removing Roadblocks: Rebuilding a Foundation for Reliable Highway Pavement Infrastructure.”

The university don lamented the consistent premature failures of road construction projects nationwide, despite huge investments by the government at all levels, attributing the problem to neglected basics and systemic principles in the industry.

According to him, rebuilding the foundation technically, institutionally, and ethically is crucial to building strong and lasting pavements.

Ekwulo emphasized the need for political will, professional integrity, and commitment to engineering excellence to overcome the challenges.

“The metaphoric roadblocks are those challenges causing premature failures,” Ekwulo said, adding that identifying and addressing these roadblocks is key to rebuilding the nation’s highways.

He recommended that institutions involved in road design and construction adopt a mechanistic-empirical design approach, and develop a comprehensive framework for implementing the Nigerian Imperial and Mechanistic Pavement Design System (NEMPADS) approach.

Ekwulo also advocated for mandatory traffic load analysis, strengthened university-industry collaboration, and funding for applied pavement research.

Corruption, he noted, is a major challenge in the profession, saying severe punitive measures are needed to curb shabby practices leading to premature road failures.

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, described Ekwulo’s lecture as interesting and intriguing, highlighting the importance of implementing solutions to Nigeria’s highway challenges.

The Vice Chancellor also described Ekwulo’s proposals as practical and applicable to government and industry stakeholders.

He said the university is committed to research aligned with national development goals, referencing its NDV-12 responsive consortium production framework.

Zeb-Obipi noted that Ekwulo’s recommendations are timely and solution-driven, and will contribute to addressing Nigeria’s highway challenges.

Akujobi Amadi

Education

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

Published

1 week 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

1 week 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.