Education
US Envoy Warns Politicians Against Inflammatory Statements
United States Consul
General in Nigeria, Jeffrey Hawkins has warned Nigerian politicians oliticians and their supporters against engaging in inflammatory rhetoric that would fuel tension and hostilities in the country.
Hawkins said the media by reporting repeated inflammatory quotes of politicians in the print and airwaves should weigh the potential consequences of such reporting against national peace, unity and progress.
In his remarks at the Advanced Political Writing for Political Editors and senior ournalists, the US envoy said the media covering elections have a great professional challenge in which the practitioners should shoulder greater responsibility.
He said the desire for free, fair peaceful and credible elections in Nigeria is high, adding that all party leaders, candidates and the average citizens should meet these expectations within electoral means.
He was hopeful that next month’s general elections would be more peaceful and credible than previous years and would serve as a model of good practice.
Good journalism, Hawkins said is fundamental to an election process that protects the right of all Nigerians to use the ballot box to reflect the views and concerns of various communities and interests regardless of which candidate wins.
He also stressed the need for media reporting to be issues and not personalities driven, pointing out that informing the electorate about what the candidate has done or pledges to do to mitigate security, fight corruption, increase youth employment, build infrastructure and improving voters education is far better, than personal attacks often seen in the news media.
However, the US envoy commended the Pan Atlantic University and the Nigerian Guild of Editors {NGE} for partnering with the US embassy to sharpen skills of journalists toward their constructive role in support of Nigeria democratic practices.
The Dean, Pan Atlantic University, Dr Mike Okolo, while welcoming participants at the workshop, told them not to come with a mindset but rather leave the mind open for new idea that would go a long way in shaping understanding of issues of national development
Okolo said the workshop would amount to nothing if participants at the end of the exercise do not bring their experience to bear in improving growth of the society.
Samuel Eleonu
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.