Education

Those Who Oppose PH Poly Lack Reason -Ag Provost

Published

10 years ago

June 27, 2016

The Acting Provost of the
Rivers State College of Arts and Science (RIVCAS), Dr Sam Kalagbor, has stated that those who are opposed to upgrading the institution to a polytechnic base their opposition on mere sentiment.
Dr Kalagbor, who spoke to The Tide in an exclusive interview shortly after the opening of a three- day corporate fasting and prayer session for the institution, said such people may not have been informed of benefits accruable from the upgrading.
According to him, Rivers State is already lagging behind, even as it has been over due to have more than one polytechnic.
“For those who are expressing sentiments relative to the Ken Saro Wiwa Polytechnic Bori, such sentiments are baseless.
“This is in the sense that if you look at the Directory of National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), 2014, you will realize that there are states that have more than two polytechnics, owned and funded by the state government.
“For instance, Ogun State has five state government- owned and funded polytechnics, Oyo State has three, Zamfara has two, Akwa Ibom has two and Delta State has three in each of the senatorial districts,” he said.
The Acting Provost stated that while upgrading RIVCAS to a polytechnic is in accordance with the state’s Governor’s promise to improve education among other sectors of the state, it is in line with creating job opportunities in the state.
“In Rivers State there is need for an increased manpower development. So, it will also help in acecelerating the quality and quantity of manpower in the state for an overall growth and development of the state. It will subsequently increase employment opportunities for Rivers indigenes and boost the local economy,” he explained.
He therefore, used the opportunity to commend the state Governor, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for not only having the foresight, but also taking the initiative to do the needful in the present circumstance, noting that the entire state stands to benefit from it.
Also speaking, chairman, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics of RIVCAS, Comrade Victor Ossai, also expressed joy over what he called “overdue” decision by the Governor.
“We want to thank the state governor. We know that God is using him to give the college a befitting identity because before now, we have been suffering from identity crisis,” he said.
It will be recalled that RIVCAS has been operating as a Polytechnic for years, and the quest for it to be upgraded to a Polytechnics had been on.

Education

UNIPort Senate Grants Two-Year Amnesty to U2010–U2018 Students

Published

1 hour ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Senate of the University of Port Harcourt Rivers state has approved a special two-year amnesty for students admitted between the 2010/2011 and 2018/2019 academic sessions who were unable to complete their programmes within the stipulated period.

This was contained in a statement by the university public relations officer,Dr Sammy Kpenu and made available to the tide over the weekend in port Harcourt.

The statement stated that eligible students are expected to submit formal applications addressed to the Vice Chancellor through their respective Heads of Department for review and necessary consideration.

The statement further stated that the approval provides a renewed opportunity for affected students to return, regularize their academic status, and successfully complete their studies.

According to the statement the amnesty also offers a fresh opportunity to students who had issues related to overstaying or other challenges that forced them to discontinue their programmes, to return and complete their academic pursuits.

The statement however said that the deadline for submission of applications end on 31st May, 2026 and therefore urge the affected students to take full advantage of the window the amnesty provided to realise their academic dreams.

Education

Education Commissioner Seeks media collaboration in Rivers

Published

1 hour ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The River State Commissioner for Education, Dr Peters Nwagor has called on media practitioners in Rivers State to deploy their various communication platforms toward promoting government programmes and policies aimed at achieving sustainable development in the education sector. Dr. Nwagor made the appeal when members of the Etche Ethnic Practicing Journalists (EEPJ) paid him a courtesy visit in Office in Port Harcourt. The Commissioner emphasized the strategic role of the media in shaping public perception, promoting government initiatives, and supporting policies capable of improving the quality of education and human capital development in the state. According to him, constructive media engagement remains essential in creating public awareness on educational reforms, students’ welfare, infrastructural improvements, and other interventions being implemented by the state government. Speaking on the recent appro

Education

“FPOG Bonny Deepens Learning With Hands-On Expedition to NLNG Nature Park”

Published

3 weeks ago

April 27, 2026

The Tide

Academic expeditions and excursions take learning beyond the classroom, fostering personal growth, cultural understanding, and hands-on engagement with history, science, and nature. For the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny, such outings are a strategic tool for bridging theory with practice.

On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the Department of Science Laboratory Technology led students on an academic excursion to the NLNG Nature Park in Bonny. The team was led by the Head of Unit, Elizabeth Jumbo, alongside Ikor Peter, Usman Thaha, and Elekwachi Progress. The trip was designed to connect classroom instruction with real-life experiences.

According to the department, the excursion sought to deepen learning by linking theoretical knowledge with tangible, real-world exposure. The exercise also aimed to enhance student engagement and retention while promoting social-emotional skills such as collaboration and empathy. It further catered to diverse learning styles among the students.

Academic excursions offer clear benefits. Abstract concepts become concrete when students encounter them firsthand. A history lesson comes alive in a museum, while scientific principles are better understood in natural settings. Such interactive experiences are often more memorable than text-based learning alone.

The outings also build critical soft skills. Trips foster self-confidence, teamwork, communication, and resilience. They broaden cultural awareness and perspective by exposing students to new environments and ideas. For many, the experience sparks curiosity, promotes empathy, and can even influence future career paths.

At its core, the goal is to make learning personal, relevant, and interactive. The Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny says it is committed to providing a compass to academic excellence through active learning, consistent organization, and holistic student well-being. The SLT excursion reflects that approach in action.