Education

‘RSG Determined To Provide Free, Qualitative Education’

Published

15 years ago

February 7, 2011

The Rivers State Government has restated its determination to ensure free and compulsory qualitative education in all public schools in the state.

Making the declaration last Thursday at the first quarterly meting of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) management with executive chairman of State Universal Basic Education Boards in Port Harcourt, the state Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi emphasized that “we have the will to do it, and we will continue to do it, God being our helper.”

Amaechi, who was represented by Barrister Osima Ginah, the state commissioner for Urban Development, noted that steps have been taken to ensure the success of the free education projects in the state.

He recalled that towards this end, the sum of N70 billion was appropriated to education in the 2010 approved budget in addition to the construction of child-friendly schools spread across the state in order to provide the best facilities for all.

“We believe that the children of the poor and those in the rural areas also deserve the good things of life,” he said.

According to the Governor, these and other notable steps were taken on the realisation that the education sector was almost moribund.

“On assumption of office in October 2007, my administration was faced with stark reality of a comatose education sector. Infrastructure were degenerating, while the morale of teachers and education managers was at its lowest ebb.

“Instructional materials could at best be described as scarce commodities as teachers unconsciously levied pupils and students to raise funds for the procurement of these needed materials for teaching and learning,” the Governor said.

Consequently, “we quickly realised that if growth and advancement of the state would be achieved, the citizenry must be properly educated as this will also liberate them from the shackles of poverty.”

So far, the governor explained that “all hindrances to the acquisition of education have been removed with the construction of model primary/secondary school fitted and equipped with modern world class facilities.”

In his opening speech, the executive secretary, UBEC, Dr Ahmed Modibbo Mohammed eulogised the state government in the provision of quality infrastructure and equipment of such schools, saying that Rivers State has set the pace for quality education in the country.

He explained that the essence of the quarterly meeting of UBEC management with SUBEB chairman has been to constantly review progress in basic education delivery in order to keep abreast with the UBE mandate.

Earlier in his welcome address, the executive chairman of RSUBEB, Dr Orutemeka, enumerated what the board had been doing towards the fulfillment of quality education in the state.

According to him, “on the part of the board, we have intensified monitoring and evaluation of teaching and learning, restructure and merged schools for greater efficiency, carried out needs based training programmes for both teaching and non-teaching staff, provided teaching aids and consumables in schools, executed achievement tests for pupils, and maintained good relations with our various publics, including the UBEC, Abuja.

Education

UNIPort Senate Grants Two-Year Amnesty to U2010–U2018 Students

Published

16 hours ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Senate of the University of Port Harcourt Rivers state has approved a special two-year amnesty for students admitted between the 2010/2011 and 2018/2019 academic sessions who were unable to complete their programmes within the stipulated period.

This was contained in a statement by the university public relations officer,Dr Sammy Kpenu and made available to the tide over the weekend in port Harcourt.

The statement stated that eligible students are expected to submit formal applications addressed to the Vice Chancellor through their respective Heads of Department for review and necessary consideration.

The statement further stated that the approval provides a renewed opportunity for affected students to return, regularize their academic status, and successfully complete their studies.

According to the statement the amnesty also offers a fresh opportunity to students who had issues related to overstaying or other challenges that forced them to discontinue their programmes, to return and complete their academic pursuits.

The statement however said that the deadline for submission of applications end on 31st May, 2026 and therefore urge the affected students to take full advantage of the window the amnesty provided to realise their academic dreams.

Education

Education Commissioner Seeks media collaboration in Rivers

Published

16 hours ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The River State Commissioner for Education, Dr Peters Nwagor has called on media practitioners in Rivers State to deploy their various communication platforms toward promoting government programmes and policies aimed at achieving sustainable development in the education sector. Dr. Nwagor made the appeal when members of the Etche Ethnic Practicing Journalists (EEPJ) paid him a courtesy visit in Office in Port Harcourt. The Commissioner emphasized the strategic role of the media in shaping public perception, promoting government initiatives, and supporting policies capable of improving the quality of education and human capital development in the state. According to him, constructive media engagement remains essential in creating public awareness on educational reforms, students’ welfare, infrastructural improvements, and other interventions being implemented by the state government. Speaking on the recent appro

Education

“FPOG Bonny Deepens Learning With Hands-On Expedition to NLNG Nature Park”

Published

3 weeks ago

April 27, 2026

The Tide

Academic expeditions and excursions take learning beyond the classroom, fostering personal growth, cultural understanding, and hands-on engagement with history, science, and nature. For the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny, such outings are a strategic tool for bridging theory with practice.

On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the Department of Science Laboratory Technology led students on an academic excursion to the NLNG Nature Park in Bonny. The team was led by the Head of Unit, Elizabeth Jumbo, alongside Ikor Peter, Usman Thaha, and Elekwachi Progress. The trip was designed to connect classroom instruction with real-life experiences.

According to the department, the excursion sought to deepen learning by linking theoretical knowledge with tangible, real-world exposure. The exercise also aimed to enhance student engagement and retention while promoting social-emotional skills such as collaboration and empathy. It further catered to diverse learning styles among the students.

Academic excursions offer clear benefits. Abstract concepts become concrete when students encounter them firsthand. A history lesson comes alive in a museum, while scientific principles are better understood in natural settings. Such interactive experiences are often more memorable than text-based learning alone.

The outings also build critical soft skills. Trips foster self-confidence, teamwork, communication, and resilience. They broaden cultural awareness and perspective by exposing students to new environments and ideas. For many, the experience sparks curiosity, promotes empathy, and can even influence future career paths.

At its core, the goal is to make learning personal, relevant, and interactive. The Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny says it is committed to providing a compass to academic excellence through active learning, consistent organization, and holistic student well-being. The SLT excursion reflects that approach in action.