News
RSG Stops Overseas Scholarship
The Rivers State Government has stopped the funding of overseas scholarship for its students currently enjoying it in various universities overseas.
The state government informed parents and guardians of students currently benefiting from the state government funded scholarship programme in various universities across the world that resources are no longer available to continue with the sponsorship abroad.
The government said it will no longer pay the tuition and allowances of the scholars, and has consequently advised all of them to return home.
The new policy of government was communicated to parents and guardians in a letter dated 6 February, 2016.
The Executive Director/CEO of the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA), Lawrence Pepple, said that the only exceptions to the directive are those students in their final year ending 2016.
“All others will need to return to Nigeria to continue their studies; the government will continue to fully sponsor them. This way all the students will still achieve the desired objective of successful graduation in your chosen field of study,” the letter read.
The overseas scholarship programme administered by the RSSDA has been running since the 2008/2009 academic session and had a target of sending 300 students overseas annually.
The state government paid the entire bill of the scholars including the airfare, tuition (school fees, laboratory, books), accommodation, feeding and monthly upkeep.
However, a shortage of funds in the last three years saw a situation where the students were abandoned and left to fend for themselves as the former Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi-led administration owed them for several months at a point.
When the present state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike was sworn in last May, he vowed that despite the shortage of funds, he will ensure that those already abroad would successfully complete their studies even though new scholarships won’t be awarded.
But in the letter, Pepple disclosed that returning students will be offered admission in the state-owned University of Science and Technology or the Federal Government-owned University of Port Harcourt, unless “your course of study is not available in either of these institutions, then, admission will be sought in any government-owned institution in Nigeria that offers your course.”
The students will, however, be transferred to the same level in Nigeria as they currently are abroad.
At the moment, there are students on RSSDA scholarships in Canada, the UK, Ukraine, Ireland, India, Singapore and Malaysia.
The RSSDA CEO apologised over the fact that allowances and entitlements of the students have not been paid for several months.
He stated that fixing the situation is “paramount on our agenda.
“Unfortunate as the situation is, we thank God for the opportunity to still continue and complete your studies and the magnanimity of His Excellency, the Executive Governor for his vision to find a positive way out of the tight financial situation.”
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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