City Crime
Still On Poor JAMB, O’Level Results
It often seems amusing when I hear people complain about the abysmal performance of candidates in Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), West African School Certificate (WASC), National Examination Council (NECO) and other similar examinations across the country.
This is because anybody who has been following the trend in our education sector, should know and appreciate that there is an appalling fall in the standard of our education.
The result of entrance examination into the tertiary institutions across the country for 2012 released by JAMB a few days ago indicated that out of over 1.5 million candidates who sat for the examination, only three scored 300 and above, 72, 243 scored 250 and above, while 601, 151 got marks ranging from 200 to 249. In all only 673,397 scored above 200 which could enable them gain admission into universities.
In a similar way, the last year’s Novovember/December O’level results showed abysmal performance rate of about 70 percent failure.
Honestly, contrary to some people’s expression of disappointment over these results, I am not surprised at all.
As a matter of fact, I think these results are very impressive compared to the standard of education in the country and if something is not done urgently, we may be in for worse situations.
Records show that a particular school in Ghana has half of its population made up of Nigerian students. Many Nigerians today send their children and wards to different African countries, Europe, America and even Asia, in search of quality education, thereby enriching those countries.
But don’t be quick to condemn them. A tour of some public schools in the country would reveal complete the infrastructural decay. What of the quality of teaching and instructional materials? Gone were the days when people took to teaching due to their love for the profession. Today, many people go into teaching due to unemployment or lack of better things to do. This is almost peculiar with private schools who employ people with any qualification and pay them meagerly. Stories have it that some school certificate holders, or even school drop-outs who were engaged by some private nursery schools are also used as nursery schools teachers.
In this case, you begin to wonder what those children were being taught. The fact that Half of the students who sat for a university entrance examination failed raises questions on the quality of teachers that prepared them for the examination.
Teachers may want to accuse the students of laziness and for not taking their academic work seriously. They will blame students for spending most of their time on social networking, playing computer games and watching films. But the teachers can do better if they put more efforts and show more commitment, interest and zeal to their duties.
But then, it is impossible for one to give what he does not have. The quality of the teachers nowadays is becoming disturbing. A recent newspaper report has it that some school proprietors raised alarm over the poor quality of students coming out of higher institutions.
Indeed, the falling standard of education can be traced to so many factors. Education in Nigeria is poorly funded.
This has led to poor infrastructure, inadequate hostel accommodation for undergraduates, poor laboratory facilities and outdated teaching aids in the tertiary institutions. The direct results are the incessant strike actions by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), poor academic and research work which translate to chunning out of half-baked graduates.
In the past, pupils who did not perform well in examinations were asked to repeat some classes. Today, the situation is different.
Mass promotion is the new trend. Every proprietor wants to prove that his pupils are the most brilliant; and to prove it, theyembarked on mass promotion even when some of them barely know their left from their rights
What of the parents? What are they doing towards ensuring that their children get quality education? Parents, particularly the fathers believe that having paid their children’s school fees, they have discharged their duties. Some parents don’t even care whether their children do their home work or not, or even take time to go through their school work. All their interest is in making money, believing that with money, their children can buy quality education.
That probably explain why some parents, especially mothers go the extent of buying question papers or machineries to write exams for their children. I wonder what the future of such children will be like.
Obviously, the problem of education sector in Nigeria is multi-faceted and it needs a multi-faceted effort to tackle it if we must achieve vision 20; 20; 20 we’re talking about. From the family up to the government, we all have a role to play. Unless we stop paying lip service to education, we will continue to have more failures.
It will amount to wishful thinking if parents think their children and wards will perform better in future examinations if they do not start now to pay attention to their academic works and guide them right.
Calista Ezeaku
The Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, has praised the State Governor, Siminalaye Fubara, for his commitment to community healthcare delivery in the state.
Dr. Oreh said this shortly after receiving an award of Excellence on behalf of the Governor from the Rivers State Hospital Management Board at a thanksgiving service, sendforth and award ceremony in Port Harcourt.
The Health Commissioner said the Governor is not only committed to transforming the health sector, but fiercely protecting the interest of Rivers State people.
She said it was against this background that the Governor is working hard to ensure quality healthcare for all rural communities in the state.
According to the Commissioner, “it is this protectiveness that makes him to standup for the people of Rivers State.
“It is this protectiveness and acknowledgement that health is first wealth, that makes him to give necessary attention to the health sector.”
Dr. Oreh also praised past and present Chief Medical Directors of the Board for their efforts in keeping Secondary health care institutions in the state afloat despite various challenges.
The Commissioner also commended the current Chief Medical Director (CMD), Dr. Bright Ogbonda, for his competence and dedication to service, adding that she was particularly delighted that the current CMD has adopted an innovative approach to accomplish so much in the Board.
She promised to continuously stand as an advocate for the Board and push for improvement in the conditions of health care workers across the state.
Earlier the Chief Medical Director of the Board, Dr. Ogbonda, commended the State Governor for reforming the secondary health sector, stressing that within the last two years, the Governor has carried out massive reconstruction of General Hospitals across the state and constructed of the Neuro psychiatric hospital at Rumuigbo, Port Harcourt.
He also commended the Governor for employing over 2,000 health workers and ensuring prompt payment of salaries and allowances of newly employed health workers in the state.
Ogbonda said the gesture by the Governor has made the Board the envy of other boards and parastatals in the state.
He also attributed the success recorded so far by the Board to the effort of past CMDs, Directors and staff who laid a solid foundation for the growth and development of the Board.
The occasion featured the presentation of awards of Excellence to the Governor, the Commissioner for Health, and all former CMDs of the Board.
Other awards include, award for best performing hospitals in the state in which General Hospital, Ogu, emerged first, seconded by both civil servants clinic and Zonal Hospital, Bori, while third place went to General Hospital, Eleme.
For the best performing Medical Directors, the first position went to the Doctor incharge of Okrika General Hospital, while first and second runners up went to Dr. Mina Ikuru of Civil Servants Clinic and Dr. Okere of Eleme General Hospital.
The occasion also featured the unveiling of the third edition of Health Spring Magazine by the Board.
John Bibor
City Crime
Fanfare, Pageantry As Ohiauga Community Honours 31 Eminent Personalities with Maiden Leadership Awards
Ohiauga Community in Igburu Clan, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Saturday, December 27, 2025, witnessed an unprecedented spectacle of celebrations, fanfare and cultural splendour as it honoured 31 distinguished personalities for their outstanding leadership qualities, selfless service and immense contributions to the growth and development of the community.
The historic event, which took place at the Ohiauga Community Town Hall, marked the maiden edition of the Ohiauga Leadership Awards and saw 27 illustrious sons and daughters of the community, alongside four non-indigenes, decorated with various honours in recognition of their unwavering commitment to the socio-economic, political and infrastructural advancement of the area.
From the early hours of the day, the once serene and seemingly sleepy community was transformed into a beehive of activities. The atmosphere was electrified with excitement as the sound of music echoed from different corners of the community. Everywhere was colourful, lively and festive, as men, women, youths and children, young and old, trooped out in large numbers, beautifully adorned in elegant traditional and modern attires.
The favourable weather further added glamour and grace to the occasion, enhancing the beauty and splendour of the event, as the people, stakeholders and visitors savoured every moment of the celebration.
Adding royal splendour to the colourful ceremony was the presence of the Eze of Igburu Clan, Eze Igburu IV of Igburu Land, His Majesty Eze Kenneth Nwabochi, who arrived at the venue in full royal regalia, accompanied by his retinue of chiefs, elders and other palace officials. His presence was a clear testament to the significance of the occasion and underscored the unity and collective resolve of the people to celebrate excellence and service.
One after the other, the award recipients stepped forward amid thunderous applause, cheers and admiration from the audience. These were men and women whose years of dedication, sacrifice and contributions have helped place Ohiauga Community on the map in terms of political relevance, socio-economic growth and self-help-driven development.
Indeed, Ohiauga Community today boasts of notable achievements credited largely to community-based initiatives, including a relatively good road network, stable and uninterrupted electricity supply powered through solar infrastructure, and other basic amenities that have improved the quality of life of its people. The honoured individuals, it was observed, have played significant roles in achieving these milestones, leaving their unmistakable footprints on the community’s development journey.
By honouring them, the community made it clear that the awards were not meant to signal retirement from service, but rather to encourage the recipients to intensify their efforts and continue to give back to their fatherland. Community leaders noted that although progress has been recorded, Ohiauga still faces serious developmental challenges that require sustained commitment and collective action.
Prominent among these challenges is the absence of a functional healthcare facility. The only cottage hospital project in the community, allegedly initiated by Total Energies Limited several years ago, was said to have been abandoned, leaving residents without adequate medical care. The community strongly appealed to the Rivers State Government to intervene and revive the project in the interest of the people.
The education sector was also not spared. The Ohiauga Community Primary School, according to the community, is allegedly in good shape, with a conducive learning environment, but lacks enough classroom teachers, as there is only one government-employed classroom teacher. To fill the void, the community reportedly employed five additional teachers from its meagre resources and currently bears the responsibility of paying their salaries.
These realities, stakeholders explained, provided further justification for the decision to celebrate and honour individuals who have consistently demonstrated commitment to the welfare and development of the community.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Ohiauga Maiden Leadership Awards, Pastor (Dr) David Chizor Nwaoburu, described the event as a strategic initiative aimed at fostering peace, unity and development, while recognising and rewarding excellence and service.
According to him, the award ceremony was designed to honour eminent personalities who have distinguished themselves in public and private life, and who have continued to make meaningful contributions to the growth of Ohiauga Community.
Dr Nwaoburu, who was himself among the award recipients, said the recognition was intended to motivate the honourees to do more for the community and not to rest on their achievements. He urged them to continue to serve the interests of the people wherever they find themselves and to remain ambassadors of peace and development.
He further reiterated the need for government intervention in the abandoned cottage hospital project and the posting of teachers to the primary school by the state government, stressing that community development in Ohiauga has largely been driven by self-help efforts.
Among those honoured at the event were Pastor (Dr) David Chizor Nwaoburu; former Bursar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Dr Davis Ojima; the Registrar of the institution, Dr Chinonye A. Ajie; Dr Obi Chukwuma Ebenezer Jular; Elder Kemmer Mark Godwin; Dr Nwokoji Chukwuemeka; Mr Nduka Louis Odiegba; Dr (Chief) (Mrs) Ojima; Comrade Chimezie Igwela; Engr Gideon Eke; Chief (Prof) H. A. Ajie; Hon. Sule Igwela; and Dr Obi Nwaoburu.
Others included Prof. (Mrs) Jennifer Igwela; Dr Charity Ajie; Eric David Orukwo; the Paramount Ruler of Ohiauga Community, HRH Dr Amb. Bright Abali; Mr Chukwudi Lloyd Reuben; Comrade Wisdom Adieme; and the member representing ONELGA Constituency I in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Nwabochi.
Also recognised were Comrade Kelvin London Oji; Pastor Smart Brass Maduagu; Chief (Hon.) K. O. Igwela; Harmony Igwela; Comrade Onyemaobi Igwela; and Late Elder Nwaba Maduagu, who received a posthumous award in recognition of his lifetime contributions to the community.
The four non-indigenes honoured for their dedicated services and goodwill towards the community were Hon. Marculey Ogolo; Hon. ThankGod Chibor; Comrade Kingsley Ogu; and Pastor G. Oreke, who was specially recognised as the only dedicated government classroom teacher at Ohiauga Community Primary School.
Reacting to the honour, the Registrar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Dr Chinonye A. Ajie, described the award as a step in the right direction and a thoughtful gesture that encourages service and excellence. He called for harmonious relationships among all segments of the community and pledged his continued support towards education, job creation and collective development.
Former Bursar of the university, Dr Davis Ojima, also expressed gratitude to the community for recognising his contributions, assuring that he would remain committed to promoting peace, unity and sustainable development initiatives in Ohiauga.
Business mogul, Mr Nduka Louis Odiegba, said being honoured by one’s own community carries special significance, describing the recognition as the most cherished among the many awards he has received. He pledged to intensify his contributions to the welfare and development of the people, noting that “charity must begin at home.”
In his royal remarks, the Eze of Igburu Clan, His Majesty Eze Kenneth Nwabochi, emphasised the importance of peace, unity and the preservation of cultural values, describing the maiden Ohiauga Leadership Awards as a timely initiative aimed at strengthening communal bonds and fostering collective progress.
Giving the vote of thanks on behalf of the awardees, Mr Chukwudi Lloyd Reuben, thanked the community for finding them worthy of recognition, and commended the leadership and merit award committee for the excellent packaging of the programme. He urged the awardees to continue with their good work to the community, as the merit awards were a clarion call for more community development involvement and a wake up call for others to emulate the leadership qualities exhibited by the awardees.
Overall, the maiden Ohiauga Leadership Awards ceremony lived up to its billing, serving not only as a platform to celebrate excellence and service but also as a rallying point for renewed commitment to the development of the community, amid resounding jubilation, merriment and cultural pride.
By: Donatus Ebi
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