Education
VC Lists Benefits Of ICT In Post UTME
The Acting Vice Chancellor of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Professor Rosemund Green-Osahogulu, has listed the benefits of deploying Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the conduct of the post Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) test, saying it was a positive development for the nation’s education sector.
Prof. Osahogulu, who spoke to newsmen during the post-UTME test conducted by the institution in conjunction with ICT Consultants, Infores Limited in Port Harcourt, noted that, “though we were doing it manually, before but this time with ICT we have peace of mind, saved costs, and also ensured a transparent examination that even the candidates themselves appreciated”.
According to her, candidates from rural areas who were not exposed to the use of computer were accommodated through the two weeks training programme for candidates, noting that stringent measures were put in place to ensure that there were no hitches during the test, disclosing that the measures included, “restriction of admittance to the examination venues to only candidates, restricting parents, relatives and friends from entering the examination halls.
Also speaking, Director of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the university, Professor Dele Osahogulu, noted that inspite of several challenges such as change of ICT consultants, unstable power supply and internet connectivity, the post-UMTE test in the school was successful, disclosing also that the institution planed to deploy ICT in virtually every area of its activities in compliance with the requirements of the National University Commission (NUC), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
“We have complied with the requirements of the NUC, NCC and NBTE that every university graduate in the country acquires computer skills; established not just a department of information and communication but also on ICT Centre.
“We also have general studies courses undertaken by every student”, the Professor of Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) and pioneer Director of the ICT centre”, emphasised.
He further noted that the university hopes to see the students use the computers whether they are here for three years for National Certificate of Education or four years for degree programme, adding that, “we hope that those who gain admission would continue to learn and acquire training in ICT as we are poised to ensure that it doesn’t end with this (post-UTME) test but that it’s a skill they acquire through constant training.
Speaking in an interview with The Tide, Esther Owoloye and Kitoye Okoni, two of the candidates aspiring to study English Language in the Faculty of Humanities and Computer Sciences respectively, expressed delight at the ease of writing the test and seeing their result at once and commended the institution and the consultant for their efforts.
However, in their reactions, Isaac Owabie and Tochi Kechukwu, who hope to study Computer Science and Biology respectively in the Faculty of Sciences raised concerns about some of the computers not functioning properly and the disadvantaged position of some candidates from rural areas as well as inadequate information on the tests and suggested that in future tests, the university should adequately publicise and organise better training for candidates with little knowledge of computers.
Ekwueme Marylin
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.