News
IAUE Shops For Profs, 60 Lecturers …RSUST Set To Flush Out Bad ‘Eggs’
Towards attaining the status of an accreditable university, the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Rumuolumeni, near Port Harcourt requires about 60 senior lecturers, Associate Professors and Professors.
Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Joseph B Kinanee, stated this in an exclusive interview with The Tide shortly after a familirisation tour on the university by the State Commissioner for Education, Prof Kinaye Ebeku.
According to the Vice Chancellor, towards this end, the first batch of promotion interview for senior lecturers has been carried out by the appointment and promotion committee.
The second batch, he continued, which will be for those who qualify for the positions of Associate Professors and Professors, will be carried out in about a forthnight.
Those, who qualify for the second batch have therefore been asked to submit their papers, and these papers would be taken together and sent out for assessment.
“We expect that in the next one month or so, we should be able to get results before the next accreditation”, he said.
“Beyond these internal efforts, the Vice Chancellor is also appealing to the state government to be allowed to employ more senior lecturers and professors so that we will be able to get into the system to beef up our staff strength”, he said.
Kinanee had earlier in his speech at the occasion, revealed that out of 24 programmes in the university only two were granted full accreditation in 2013 by the National University Commission (NUC).
“The remaining twenty two programmes currently have interim accreditation”, he added.
Addressing the issue of accreditation, the commissioner for Education, Prof Ebeku affirmed that the university is working towards achieving full accreditation this time around.
He assured the vice chancellor that government would do all that is necessary to ensure that the university gets full accreditation in the remaining programmes.
The Rivers State University of Science and Technology will not hesitate to expel students found to indulge in acts capable of tarnishing the image of the institution.
Acting Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Blessing C. Didia, stated this on Wednesday at the 34th matriculation ceremony of the university,
Didia, who stated this in his address at the occasion, charged the matriculating students to adhere strictly to the disciplinary policies of the university and the code of conduct as spelt out in the students hand book.
“You are advised to be conversant with the disciplinary policies of this university and the code of conduct which were spelt out in the students hand book.
“For the avoidance of doubts, all forms of examination misconduct including what is commonly called sorting are punishable.
You must shun membership of any clandestine organizations or secret cult activities, as senate of this university will not fail to expel all bad elements from the university system”, he said.
While congratulating the students and welcoming them to the institution, the Acting VC also charged them to always engage in what is required of them by the university authorities.
‘One of the objectives of university education is to produce graduates who are found worthy in character and leaning and to be found worthy in character, you must be emotionally and physically balanced, morally and spiritually upright.
As you are starting a journey to an unknown destination, do not be among the seeds that will fall by the way side. Be among the seeds that will fall on fertile soil, germinate, grow, mature and bear good fruits.
To do all these, you need to be closer to your God and take your studies seriously, he said.
A total of 3.912 students matriculated in seven faculties, Agriculture (185), Engineering (949), Environmental Science (255), Law (307), Management Sciences (1,119), Science (490) and Science Education (607)
Sogbeba Dokubo
The Hausa Community in Rivers State has dissociated itself from media reports credited to one MaiwadaAdamu that the Arewa Community in Rivers State has appointed Alhaji Musa Saidu as the acting SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt, following the inability of the former SarkinHausawa, Alhaji Isa Madaki to carry out his functions.
MaidawaAdamu, who is also the spokesman of the Arewa Initiative for Peaceful Co-existence, had briefed journalists on the change, but in a swift reaction, the Office of Alhaji Isa Madaki, has come out to say that the only recognised body which has the powers to appoint the SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt is the Council of SarkinHausawa in PortHarcourt headed by Alhaji Isa Madaki.
The statement also said Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki is the only recognisedSarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, adding that his appointment follows the proclamation and endorsement by the council members of SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The statement further called on the general public and all authorities concerned to give Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki maximum co-operation and support,as he discharges his duties as SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt.
The Suspended Rivers State Commissioner for health, Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, has described as baseless allegations in some quarters that she was responsible for the purported disruption of the Nigerian First Lady’s empowerment program in Port Harcourt.
Dr Oreh, who said this in a statement personally signed by her and a copy made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt also described the allegation as a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers
According to Dr Oreh, “they are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord”
In her words,”the allegations levelled against me, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, regarding the supposed disruption of the First Lady’s empowerment programme on Friday 2nd May, 2025, are entirely unfounded, completely false, and a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers and conflict entrepreneurs.
“They are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord.”
The suspended commissioner challenged those behind the allegation, especially the Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation to show proof of its assertion adding “It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I challenge the “Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation” (assuming such a body really exists) to provide tangible proof to support their assertions.
“It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I have neither sponsored nor will sponsor any activities aimed at embarrassing or disrupting the activities of the administration appointed by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to oversee the affairs of Rivers State following his declaration of a state of emergency on Tuesday, 18th March, 2025, and have rather spent the time of my suspension from office focused on other endeavours and my doctoral studies.
“I reaffirm my commitment to working tirelessly for the progress and development of Rivers State.
“Furthermore, I believe that it is crucial for all stakeholders to promote a culture of truth, integrity, and respect in public discourse.
“Unsubstantiated wild claims undermine trust and hinder constructive engagement, and this is not what the state needs at this difficult and delicate time.
“I urge everyone to focus on issues that unite us and foster a positive, solution-driven dialogue for the betterment of our State, and urge everyone to work together to build a brighter future for Rivers State, grounded in truth, transparency, and collective effort,”she said.
By: John Bibor
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has called on key regulators, asset owners and other stakeholders to continue to support the agency toward the goal of remediating the Ogoni environment and restoring the livelihoods of the people and building structures for peace.
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who made the call during the Project’s first quarter meeting with regulators, asset owners and stakeholders in Port Harcourt, urged the stakeholders to remain resolute in supporting HYPREP’s work.
“We particularly expect each regulatory agency and asset owner to deepen their involvement and continue to provide strategic support to the project”, he said, stressing that the quarterly meeting platform remains instrumental in providing a structural avenue for regulators, asset owners, and implementation partners to offer feedback to HYPREP on project performance and deliberate on ideas that move the project forward, as well as strengthen collaboration, deepen synergy and reinforce collective responsibility.
Zabbey disclosed that the socio-economic study of Ogoni has started, as HYPREP has contacted the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organisation(WHO) to commence in the next quarter a three-year human health biomonitoring in Ogoniland.
He noted that work on several fronts of the cleanup project is progressing steadily, adding that as key project partners, the insights and shared experience of the regulators and asset owners have always enriched HYPREP’s operations.
He said the policy thrust of HYPREP for 2025 is clear, as the Project is intensifying efforts to complete within stated timelines, the various ongoing projects, including remediation works and mangrove restoration, potable water facilities, the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, the Ogoni Power Project, Ogoni Specialist Hospital, and Buan Cottage Hospital, among others.
Zabbey, however, announced that HYPREP would commence new set of shoreline cleanup, mangrove restoration and livelihood projects, to sustain the momentum of implementing the Ogoni cleanup, adding that the agency would also conduct detailed site characterisation of the high-risk complex sites, leading to remediation works at the sites.
He noted that HYPREP’s collaboration with Rivers State Ministries of Health, Power and Environment, and civil society organisations remains vital, stressing that the technical and administrative support of all relevant government agencies and funding partners is indispensable in helping HYPREP overcome operational bottlenecks, especially those encountered in interfacing with host communities.
He further indicated that “the people of Ogoni and the nation are looking to us with hope and expectation, and expect tangible results from the remediation initiative”, assuring the participants that the Project Coordination Office is committed to delivering positive results.
“We must, therefore, continue to work with diligence, transparency, and a renewed sense of purpose”, he declared, saying, “ the completion and commissioning of projects this year must reflect not only our technical ability but also our collective commitment to environmental sustainability and sustainable development in Ogoni.”
During the interactive session, the Project Coordinator briefed the participants on the progress made so far by HYPREP to conclude the distribution of starter packs to the 5,000 Ogoni trainees, and called on contractors who had already collected huge chunk of money for the project, to deliver without further delay.
In all, the regulators, asset owners and stakeholders commended HYPREP for the good works it is doing, and urged it to do more.
The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency(NOSDRA) was represented at the event by Deputy Director, Oil Field Assessment, Dr Abam Komommo Omini, while Dr Vincent Nwachukwu, Director of Medical Services, represented the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
The Rivers State Ministries of Water Resources, Power and Environment were represented by Dr Bealo Brownson; Engr K. J. Osele; and Mr James Ordu respectively, while the Society for Women and Youth Affairs (SWAYA); and the Stakeholder Democracy Network(SDN); among other civil society organisations were also at the event.
By: Donatus Ebi