Education
Lecturers Yet To Resume Work After Strike
Academic activities have not yet resumed in schools after the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) suspended its two-month strike.
A visit to both the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) and Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (UOE) shows that lectures had not commenced at the institutions.
Many of the students, especially the fresh ones at RSUST were seen completing their registration requirements while some returning students were seen moving from one part of the campus to another.
The Chairman of ASUU, RSUST chapter, Dr. Felix Igwe in a text message said that ASUU – RSUST Congress met last Wednesday to discuss the industrial disharmony in the university, arising from the non-implementation of the 2009 ASUU/FGN agreement.
He said the congress also deliberated on the victimisation of the union and her members by the university authorities contrary to the agreement reached between the university’s Governing Council and Rivers State Government on 4th of February, 2011.
Dr. Igwe maintained that after due consideration of the on-going intervention by the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) and the leadership of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, congress decided to shelve the strike action. He said the congress however had resolved to meet soon to review the situation.
A 300- level student of the institution, Mary Tuboh, who spoke to The Tide alleged that the authorities of the school were meeting to review and adjust the academic calendar, and might later publish the timetable for lectures.
Fresh students were also seen still undergoing medical examination both at the institution’s medical centre and other points as part of their registration formalities.
It was also observed that some lecturers visited their offices, exchanging pleasantries with some colleagues and students at St. John’s Campus of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (UOE).
One of the lecturers who preferred to remain anonymous said, “it is refreshing to be back to school to meet colleagues and students after the strike”.
“We hope the authorities would plan the academic calendar in a way that we can cover all that have been lost within the period.”
A student leader, Umoh Thompson maintained that it was good to have students back on campus after the prolonged forced holiday.
The President of the Students Union Government, RSUST, Godswill Amadi, said in a telephone interview that lectures would begin Monday (today) because, according to him, the Senate had met and released the academic calendar and lecture timetable.
Mr. Amadi said that last week, there were skeletal academic activities in some faculties.
He, however, was optimistic that lectures would start fully today.
Eunice Choko-Kayode
Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu has inaugurated the newly constituted Governing Councils of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) and the University of Education and Entrepreneurship (UEE), Akamkpa.
At the ceremony on Thursday in Calabar, the Governor urged the members to drive institutional excellence, ensure accountability, and align with global best practices.
Governor Otu acknowledged that UNICROSS had long suffered from what many perceived as gross neglect, particularly in terms of physical development.
“After a deep thought and consultation, and having considered all available facts and evidence, I am today opening a new chapter in the relationship between government and its institutions of higher education,” the Governor declared.
He emphasised that while his administration is committed to a renewed focus on higher education, this attention must be matched with transparency and responsibility by the universities’ management.
The same expectation, he said, applies to the University of Education and Entrepreneurship in Akamkpa.
Governor Otu stated that the appointments into both councils and management were carefully considered and reflect the state’s finest minds and seasoned professionals.
“I have taken pains in appointing some of the best that the State has in both the Governing Councils and Management of the institutions. I implore you to apply your wealth of experience in making the institutions world-class,” he charged.
He also stressed the importance of respecting the distinct roles of Councils and management, pointing out that most university problems emanate from role conflict or interference. He tasked each of the councils to stick strictly to its clearly defined functions.
The Governor encouraged council members to leverage their networks to attract new sources of funding and value to their institutions.
“Do not limit yourselves to already known threads of resource sources.”, he said.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has announced a 50 percent reduction in tuition fees for all Kaduna State-owned tertiary institutions, describing it as a major step toward removing barriers to higher education.
Speaking through his Principal Private Secretary, Professor Bello Ayuba, at the inauguration of the Kaduna State University Chapter of the Kaduna State Students Union, the Governor said the policy has made it easier for students from low-income backgrounds to pursue university education in the state.
He expressed gratitude to the students for presenting him with the Sword of Honour Award and for recognising the achievements of his administration, which were highlighted during the event’s public lecture.
He promised, “Government will continue to support students and the youth generally to realize their ambitions. On your part, make sure that an atmosphere of peace prevails to allow for government’s development programmes to run their full course.’’
The Governor advised students not to allow agents of disunity and chaos to use them to destabilize their communities and steer them away from their career goals.
Governor Sani reminded the students and lecturers at the event that ‘’no meaningful development can be achieved in a state of chaos, disunity and mutual mistrust.’’
However, he said that ‘’going by your conduct over the period that I have been at the helm of affairs of our state so far, you are reliable partners of progress and I can count on you every step of the way.’’
The governor recalled that Kaduna State was under siege owing to the insecurity in some of the local government areas, which had dire consequences on agricultural and business activities.
He noted that the security challenges have now been drastically reduced owing to the combined commitment of security agencies, resulting in safer high ways, people returning to farms and the opening of local markets.
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The governor further said that the Birnin Gwari cattle market which had been closed for over 10 years, has been reopened, so have the other markets in security challenged areas in Giwa local government.
The management of Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic,Rumuola, Port Harcourt, Rivers State has admitted 1,882 fresh students to study various courses and programmes for the 2024)2024 academic session.
This announcement was made by the Rector of the polytechnic, Dr Moses Neebee during the 34th matriculation ceremony of the institution held in Port Harcourt over the weekend.
Dr Neebee described convocation as an annual rituals of every institution used to mark the end of admission process, adding that the polytechnic has recorded some academic milestones and achievements.
According to him, the institution recorded 100 percent in the just concluded NABTE accreditation and resources visitation exercise, adding that all the 24 courses presented by the institution during the accreditation were approved including the almighty Diploma in Law.
According to the admission statistics provided by the Rector,1,510 students were admitted for the National Diploma programmes ,while 372 students were offered admission into the Higher National Diploma and part programmes of the polytechnic.
The Rector while congratulating the matriculants urged them to take their studies seriously and ensure that they pass through the institution and as well allow the institution pass through them and not only in learning but also in character.
“ Let me congratulate you all for your successes to scale through the rigorous hurdles of our admission processes. Take advantage of the various technical and entrepreneur skills in the school to equip your self which will make yourselves employed and be better equipped in the society”, he said.
The Rector warned them to desist from any activities that will jeopardise their academic success, stressing that the school has zero tolerance for cultism, examination malpractices, sorting and sexual abuse.
He used the opportunity to thank the state government for the support given to the school especially in the areas of infrastructure development.