Rivers
Jonathan Explains UNIPORT’S Nuclear Energy Centre
President Goodluck Jonathan said the Federal Government recently approved the establishment of a nuclear energy centre for the University of Port Harcourt to principally advance the frontiers of knowledge in atomic energy, space and all the elements that can act as conveyor-belts for technological advancement of the country.
President Jonathan, an alumnus of UNIPORT stated this at the 26th Convocation ceremony of the institution.
The president, who stressed the need for job creation in the country, reiterated that one way to achieve that was to grow the economy by increasing the nation’s investment in education, especially training and research.
He used the forum to emphasise his earlier promise to ensure credible elections in the country with the help of all Nigerians, especially the youths, and promised to set up a “facebook account that will focus primary on the exchange of ideas”.
“As we approach the end of this administration, our first task will be to register to vote as soon as the voters register in every ward in our country is open. Our second task is to vote when the time comes.
“The connection between voting and the conditions for sustainable development is strong. Once we can successfully prevent a few people from determining the outcome of elections, all leaders immediately come into the service of general good.
“There will neither be accountability nor development when political leaders owe their privilege of power to the narrow interest of a few”, he stated.
The president who titled his speech, “Nigeria Youths: A call to possibilities”, said he was encouraged by the brilliance, patriotism and passion for excellence demonstrated by the Nigerian youths and assured that he would rely on the ideas, energy and cooperation of all and sundry.
He did not, however, fail to pay glowing tributes to departed Nigerian students, the university’s administrators and academics, even as he advised products of the institution to worthy ambassadors.
Earlier in his address, the out-going Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Don Baridam listed the achievements of his administration and lauded the federal government’s amnesty programme, pointing out that exposing the repentant militants to different skills locally or internationally would be “an enduring counterpoint to armed struggle”.
Honorary Doctorate degrees were awarded to the Chancellor of the university, HRM De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi 1, the Oba Akran of Badagry, the second VC of the university, Prof. Sylvanus Cookey, World Bank Managing Director and former Nigeria’s Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonji-Iweala. Other awardees were erstwhile Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, retired Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mohammed Uwais and renowned Professor of Medicine, Aniezionuw Okoro.
Hamilton Amadi
The Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators (ANUPA) has announced the training of 450 members across the country as part of its ongoing efforts to improve administrative standards in Nigerian universities.
Chairman of the ANUPA branch at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Dr. Don Aalonee, made this known in Port Harcourt, Monday, during a two-day training session for members of the Association.
The theme of the training is, ‘’University Administration: Leveraging Technology and Innovation for Excellence.’’
Aalonee explained that ANUPA organised the training to ensure that administrative officers in the nation’s universities were equipped with up-to-date technological and innovative competencies to enhance their effectiveness.
He expressed confidence that regular capacity building for professional administrators in universities across the country would significantly contribute to the advancement of tertiary education in Nigeria.
“This training is designed to equip members with the relevant knowledge and skills to improve their performance.
“We deliberately selected topics such as Emotional Intelligence, Coaching and Mentorship, Student-Centred Administration, and Collaborative Leadership, in response to the demands of the present times”, he stated.
Other areas of training include Understanding the Role of Administrators in University Governance and Decision-making and Strategies to Sustaining Momentum and Overcoming Resistance to Change.
Aalonee emphasised that many junior administrators in tertiary institutions were yet to fully grasp the workings of the university system due to lack of coaching and mentorship.
“These junior administrators often feel disconnected from the system because their senior counterparts failed to invest in the training of those coming behind them.
“We aim to use this workshop to bridge the gap between the older and younger generations, enabling mentorship that supports mutual growth.
“ANUPA is committed to achieving this, so that when the older generation of administrators retires, they can confidently hand over to capable successors”, he said.
The union Chairman disclosed that about 450 members and delegates from 11 public and private universities were expected to participate in the programme.
He named participating universities to include UNIPORT; Bayero University, Kano; Abubakar Tafawa Belewa University, Bauchi; and Osun State University, Osogbo.
Other participating universities are the Federal University of Technology, Owerri; Bowen University, Osun; and the Nigerian Maritime University, Delta.
Aalonee noted that ANUPA had assembled leading local and international experts to serve as resource persons for the training, including current and former registrars from universities across the country.
The Vice Chancellor of University of Port-Harcourt, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, said “the world is undergoing rapid transformation, requiring workers to adapt to the evolving global landscape”.
He noted that university administration was equally progressing towards digital transformation, artificial intelligence, global interconnectedness, and emerging model teaching, learning and research.
“Therefore, for university administrators to remain relevant and effective, they must cultivate a mindset that embraces technology, continuous innovation, and adaptive leadership”, he said.
Georgewill commended ANUPA for its vital role in advancing professional development of university administrators through strategic training and capacity building initiatives.
The Director of Student Experience at Cranfield University, United Kingdom, Ms. Alison Whaley, delivered a virtual session on coaching and mentorship.
In her presentation, she affirmed that administrators play a pivotal role in the success of any university.
Whaley stated that the role of a mentor was to assist mentees in developing insight from multiple perspectives, encouraging critical thinking and a developmental mindset.
According to her, mentors and coaches must be willing to devote time, possess leadership qualities, and practice active listening to impact their knowledge and guidance effectively.
Wokoma Emmanuel & Theresa Frederick
Normalcy is said to have returned to parts of Ekpeye Kingdom following a tense standoff between local youth bodies and Power Gas Limited.
A statement by the Director, Information and Public Relations Unit of the Palace of the Eze Ekpeye logbo III, Anamoji B. Felix in Port Harcourt, said the early intervention of His Imperial Majesty, Eze Kelvin Ngozi Anugwo saved the situation.
According to the statement, the protest was spearheaded by youths from Ogbele, Oshiugbokor, and Obumeze communities under the umbrella of the Ekpeye Youth Congress (EYC), which accused Power Gas Limited of marginalisation and failing to maintain a harmonious relationship with the host communities.
But the statement revealed that the timely response of the Monarch, nailed the situation.
The protesters alleged that the company had not initiated or executed any meaningful development projects in the area, despite years of operation within Ekpeye land.
Speaking during a reconciliatory meeting convened at the palace of the Eze Ekpeye Logbo III, the President General of the Ekpeye Youth Congress, Senior Comrade Justice Ewoh, lamented what he described as collective frustration of the youths.
“Power Gas Limited has failed to take our people seriously. For too long, they have neglected their responsibilities to the communities that host them. We demand inclusivity, development, and respect”, he said.
The impasse took a turning point when His Imperial Majesty stepped in and called for dialogue and mutual understanding between the parties.
According to the statement, the Royal Father urged both parties to commit to a constructive path and warned that continued tension could hinder both community development and business operations.
“Our strength lies in unity and dialogue. Ekpeye land must not be a place of conflict but of progress. We must demand accountability respectfully and ensure companies working in our land do not take our hospitality for granted”, he said.
Meanwhile, the Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada, CSP Chukwuma, has appreciated the youths of Ekpeye for conducting themselves responsibly and advised the company to expedite actions to swiftly address the issues raised by the youth congress.
Earlier at the deliberation, the company, through its Community Affairs Unit, denied all allegations levelled against it, saying that “no company in Ekpeye Kingdom has hired more Ekpeye youths than us”.
The company’s delegation, however, pleaded for more time to enable them relate to the top management of the organisation to address the situation.
King Onunwor
The Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), has urged traditional rulers to take deliberate steps in securing government facilities within their domains.
Ibas made this appeal during the combined 121st and 122nd quarterly meeting of the State Council of Traditional Rulers in Port Harcourt, recently.
He said the meeting highlighted the need for unity and collaboration between government and traditional institutions to tackle state challenges.
The sole administrator emphasised the crucial role traditional rulers play in peacebuilding and called for joint efforts to address community issues.
He stressed the importance of securing government facilities from theft and vandalism and warned against protecting rulers involved in unrest.
Ibas assured traditional rulers of his commitment to partnering with them to improve the state’s prosperity and wellbeing.
The Chairman of the Rivers Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Chike Worlu-Wodo, praised Ibas for promoting peace and development in the State.