Education
I’ll Remain Focused In Transforming RSU – Didia
The Vice Chancellor, Rivers State University (RSU), Prof Blessing Chimezie Didia, has said that his administration would remain focused in the transformation of the institution despite the dwindling economy.
The university don stated this last Wednesday when members of the Nigerian Youth for Peace and Democracy (NYPD), paid him a courtesy visit in his office, at the Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt.
He further said his administration has put in place the enabling environment that would guarantee effective teaching and learning as well as ensure the promotion of good welfare of both staff and students.
He added that the decision to allow backlog of carryover of 700 students spanning over 10 years and beyond the opportunity to rewrite their examinations and graduate from the institution was difficult, but borne out of the desire to save the future of the affected students and would-be leaders of tomorrow.
While enjoining them to continue in the good work they were doing, he also urged the NYPD to remain focused in re-orientating the youth and engaging them in meaningful ventures that would attract investors to the state, adding that the much-needed inflows of investment and investors would elude the state, if kidnapping and other social vices were allowed to thrive.
Earlier, the leadership of the Nigerian Youth for Peace and Democracy (NYPD) had hailed the Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Prof Blessing Chimezie Didia, for his transformational initiatives in the institution.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Comrade Caleb Essien, said the vice chancellor’s monumental achievements and developmental strides were exemplary and worthy of emulation.
Essien said the visit was in line with one of the goals of the NYPD to identify with individuals, corporate organizations and government agencies, who have successfully delivered on their mandates to the benefit of the people, state and country.
While listing the areas the VC has excelled in delivering the institution’s mandate, Essien revealed that all reports collated from both staff and students show highly remarkable milestones achieved since Didia’s assumption of office.
He stated that NYPD was ready now more than ever before to support and promote good governance at all levels in the state, and commended the vice chancellor for his achievements, just as he gave him kudos for his fatherly deposition towards the students, especially in giving those with backlog of carryovers the opportunity to rewrite their examinations to enable them graduate.
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.