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RSUST Back On Track -VC …Amaechi Pledges Better Welfare For Varsity
Barely five years after the Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Prof Barineme Fakae had embarked on an audacious mission to rescue the university from near extinction, Fakae says the institution has again bounced back on the track of academic excellence.
Making the declaration at the 24th convocation ceremony of the university over the weekend in Port Harcourt, the VC in his address entitled ‘RSUST: Back on Track”, said time was when the university, “out of 39 programmes, had only 8 fully accredited but today, I am glad to inform you that all the programmes of the university presented to National University Commission are presently fully accredited.” He added that two programmes, architecture and land surveying that suffered loss in 2005 would be attended to by the NUC accreditation team billed to visit RSUST on 28th of this month, and expressed optimism that the two programmes would record 100% accreditation.
Fakae also noted that out of 122 universities currently operating in the country, only 27 were qualified to be visited for institutional accreditation, and that RSUST was one of those qualified.
“Today, I am particularly glad to announce that the results just received show that following the institutional accreditation visit in December, 2011, this university has now been institutionally accredited and rated A in its category to operate for the next five years, after which it will be due for another visitation,” Fakae noted.
The RSUST VC remarked that in his administration’s quest to position the institution as a world class standard, infrastructural development, staff welfare, students’ matters, sports development and information and communication technology have received deserved attention, and commended the university’s visitor and Governor of Rivers State, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi for his tremendous support and encouragement without which the long list of projects carried out could not have been possible.
He, therefore, appealed for Amaechi’s continuous support to the institution to enable it complete the moot court project in the Faculty of Law to enable it escape the hangman’s rope of the council for legal education.
“The moot court is a special requirement for the next accreditation of our law programme. The status of this programme will be at risk if nothing is done about this building when the present accreditation expires in 2013, he said.
The VC appealed to ASUU, SSANU, NASU and NAAT branches of RSUST to embrace dialogue and exhaust all avenues for peaceful resolution to conflicts before contemplating and embarking on strike. According to him, it was when there is industrial harmony that the university would be able to keep to the calendar of its academic programmes that would enble lectures, research and staff promotion to go on uninterrupted.
Earlier in his address, Pro-Chancellor and chairman of the university’s Governing Council, Justice Adophus Karibi-Whyte had commended the graduands, pointing out that it takes commitment, dedication and hard work to be acknowledged as worthy in character and learning, He charged them to good ambassadors of the university as well as maintain continuous link with their alma mater.
Highpoint of the event was the granting of the VC’s request by Governor Amaechi to recruit staff to further strengthen the university’s workforce.
The VC had lamented the frustration in the system bottleneck that hindered the institution from employing needed staff to man critical areas, noting that the situation had become precarious as the department of medical laboratory science is at the verge of losing its professional accreditation as a result of paucity of personnel, especially teaching staff.
A total of 3,541 graduands received certificates, postgraduate diploma and higher degrees in various specialization.
Of the figure, 3,219 got first degrees, 85 postgraduate diplomas, 215 master and 22 doctorate degrees. Three graduates made the prestigious first class .
Meanwhile, Governor Chibuike Amaechi has pledged government resolve for better working conditions and manpower in the State-owned University of Science and Technology(RSUST).
Governor Amaechi made the pledge at the 24th Convocation ceremony of the university in Port Harcourt on Saturday.
Overwhelmed with the academic achievements of RSUST, Amaechi urged the Vice Chancellor of the university and management to sit with ASUU and negotiate a new condition of service, which includes determination of staff who do not live up to their expectation.
‘I will also implore the university to employ new academic staff. There is no university if there are no teachers’’, he stated.
He approved the completion of the moot court building of the Faculty of Law as it would enhance the quality of graduates from the department.
Amaechi, however advised management of the institution to devoid itself from politics “I don’t approve of the signboards I see around the campus comparing what is in the past to the present. Whatever achievements we have made we congratulate the Vice Chancellor for those achievements and let it remain as achievements,’’ he said.
The governor commended the industry and commitment of the Governing Council and the Vice Chancellor for overhauling the institution and being able to break the jinx of non-accreditation and clearing the backlog of students who were unable to graduate over the years.
Amaechi congratulated the graduands, and urged them to be the torch lights of the society. “Ideas rule the world, hence this convocation is an indication of the seriousness and commitment you have shown to your studies. Bring the same to bear as you go to the outside world ‘’, he remarked.
He lauded former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon Odein Ajumogobia for bagging the university’s honourary doctorate degree in law, observing that the award was in recognition of Ajumogobia’s hardwork and integrity even as he wished him well in his future endeavour.
Earlier, in his address, the Pro-Chancellor of the university, Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte had said that the institution was undergoing drastic changes, and expressed appreciation to the Governor for providing the moral and financial support to the university’s governing council.
Justice Karibi-Whyte said,’’ I wish to express our profound gratitude to your Excellency for your unparalleled and continued support to the Rivers State University of Science and Technology(RSUST). You are one Visitor to this university that has shown a thorough understanding of the peculiar problems of our university’’.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof Barineme Fakae said the convocation was coming six months after last year’s one to clear the backlog of 2010-2011, and promised that the next convocation would come up next year.’’
He noted that the university has made tremendous strides over the years with a full accreditation of all its programmes by the National University Commission(NUC). Currently, he said the institution has become a world class in infrastructure and ICT, as it was rated A in its category of universities by NUC.
Chris Oluoh & Kevin Nengia
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.