Education
RIVCAS Postpones SUG Elections …Amid protests
The management of Rivers State College of Arts and Science,
Rumuola, Port Harcourt, says it has postponed the Students’ Union Government
(SUG) elections indefinitely.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the college, Mrs
Margareth Onyeso, stated this in an interview with The Tide in Port Harcourt.
Mrs Onyeso who was reacting to the students’ protest on
campus said it was a management decision to postpone the SUG elections till
further notice.
She said the postponement of the elections was also as a
result of some challenges the college had last year with two “so called” groups
within the college, adding that anybody who belongs to any cult group would not
be allowed to contest elections.
According to her, the position was made clear to the
students. Unforuantely, the college discovered through security reports that
four of those that went to the electoral college were part of the two interest
groups on campus, saying because of that, four persons were disqualified.
“They said it is one person but they are actually four
students that were disqualified. And their names have been published with the
reasons stated. Now some elements are trying to make it a political issue as if
management is involved but the truth is that the college is aware that Rivers
State has zero tolerance for any cult activities.”
“There are many innocent children on campus who need to be
protected including other lives and property and therefore it was decided that
everything about election should be postponed indefinitely, she explained.
The spokesperson of the college therefore advised the
students to go and prepare for their examinations because, according to her,
the examinations are starting off probably in the next two weeks.
Her words, “they should go and prepare for their
examinations but anything about elections has been put on hold till further
notice. That is the position of the Rivers State College of Arts and Science”.
Speaking on behalf of the students, an Ordinary Diploma (OND
2) student, Jack Jonah said the students were protesting because those who were
screened and eligible to contest the SUG elections were disqualified.
Eunice Choko-Kayode
Education
Rivers Wins 2026 Presidential Inter-School Debate: Govt Pledges To Institutionalise Competition
Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, port Harcourt recently held the groundbreaking ceremony for the NLNG Research and Innovation Centre for Computer and Electrical Engineering, RICCEE, a US$6.2 million research and development initiative promoted jointly by Nigeria LNG Limited and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board.
The project is being implemented under NLNG’s Human Capacity Development Plan and forms part of NCDMB’s Human Capital Development Institutional Strengthening Programme. It is designed to strengthen RSU’s capacity for advanced, industry-relevant research and specialised training.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NLNG, Mr. Adeleye Falade, represented by Dr. Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, described the centre as more than infrastructure. She said it would serve as a hub for equipping students, lecturers and researchers with tools for practical learning and innovation in computer, electrical and electronics engineering.
Dr. Horsfall explained that RICCEE would strengthen collaboration between academia and industry and ensure that research outcomes directly address operational and societal challenges in Nigeria’s energy and industrial sectors. She added that the project aims to upgrade infrastructure, modern research facilities and industry-aligned training programmes to extend human capital development beyond the classroom.
She further announced that NLNG’s Research and Development Implementation Consultancy would be based at the centre upon completion. According to her, the consultancy will support a robust R&D framework in line with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, 2010 and facilitate commercially viable research with selected tertiary institutions.
Representing the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Director of the Capacity Building Directorate, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele, described the groundbreaking as a significant milestone in the Board’s human capital development objectives. He confirmed NCDMB’s full alignment with NLNG on RICCEE and pledged close collaboration to ensure successful execution.
Engr. Bamidele said the project is part of NCDMB’s Institutional Strengthening Programme, which seeks to build enduring partnerships with universities by providing infrastructure that enhances teaching, research and practical skills. He challenged the centre to become a hub of discovery, creativity and enterprise where students would innovate and industry would find reliable R&D partners.
The Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, described the occasion as historic. He said RICCEE aligns with the University’s 2026–2030 Strategic Development Plan, which prioritises academic improvement, research collaboration and entrepreneurship. He disclosed that the project originated from an appeal by Engr. Dr. Hachimenum Nyebuchi Amadi, former Acting Head of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, and announced Dr. Amadi as pioneer Acting Director of RICCEE.
The facility will sit on approximately 9,336 square metres within RSU and comprise a three-storey building of more than 9,000 square metres with 18 specialised laboratories. The labs will cover Electronics and Signal Processing, Robotics and Embedded Systems, Software Engineering, and Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity. The building will also feature solar energy provisions, energy-efficient lighting and other sustainable systems. A US$1.2 million Professorial Chair will be established to support advanced research and academic leadership.
Akujobi Amadi