Education
Primary Schools Renovation: Contractors Get Ultimatum
The proposed renovation and equipment of Primary Schools in Rivers State will take place in all 23 local government areas of the state, according to the Executive Chairman of the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Ven. Fyneface Akah.
Ven Akah, who stated this recently at the bid opening for the renovation of Primary Schools in the State, stated that the decision to ensure that the renovation and equipment of Primary Schools cuts across all the LGAs was in accordance with the directive of the State Governor, Barr. Nyesom Wike.
“Governor Wike has directed the SUBEB to renovate and equip primary schools in rural areas in the 23 LGAs”, he said.
He explained that the Governor’s directive was sequel to an appeal by the new Board to the Governor to make fund available through the Federal Government’s counterpart fund contribution to enable the Board carry out its functions towards the development of the educational sector of the state.
“The Board made the appeal and His Excellency, being educational friendly, approved our proposal, sourced for the fund, which attracted the Federal portion of the funds,” he said.
The SUBEB boss, explained further that there were a total of 252 bidders. for the job of renovating and equipping the schools from 2014 to 2016.
A breakdown of the number revealed that 83 bidded in 2014, 61 for 2015 and 108 for 2016.
On the duration of the contract, Ven Akah said successful bidders would be required to deliver the project in three months.
“The successful bidders are expected o complete the renovation work within three months, according to specifications”, he concluded.
While corroborating the Board Chairman, the Commissioner in charge of projects in the Board, Barr. Opuada Willie Pepple, emphasized that the Board’s mandates did not include building of new primary schools.
“The SUBEB will not be building new primary schools, but to renovate the existing ones in the state, and provide furniture and equipment in them”, he said.
Stories by Sogbeba Dokubo
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.