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Mixed Reactions Trail Ban On Schools In Rivers

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Some residents of Port Harcourt have expressed mixed reactions over the recent ban on 1,886 schools across the 23 local government areas by the state government.
The state government said the affected schools were operating without government’s approval as well as failing to meet specified standards as stipulated by the State Ministry of Education.
Speaking to The Tide, Mr Kenneth Elekachi Amadi, a secondary school teacher, described the state government’s action as timely and courageous, adding that the measure taken would reduce the influence of quacks in the system.
He lauded the state government for taking the bold steps to address what he called the most societal problems adding that the measure would boost and promote qualitative education in the state.
Also speaking, Mrs Florence Mor Amadi, a parent of a ward at Meved Model School said that the governor’s decision was a welcome development, even if it would render many people jobless adding that the unemployment rate can be tackled through  the Federal Government N-power employment scheme for graduates.
She stated  that “the rate at which schools are being established in the state is very discouraging in terms of qualitative education and standard of their environment adding that they usually come out with the best results, due to examination malpractice, “the ban by the state government will help to improve the standard of schools.   In her own view, head teacher Mrs Ifeoma Stanley  that she was in full support with the governors in closing down what she described as mushroom schools adding that people  just wake up one morning and use a two bedroom flat as a school and employ O’level holders as teachers, stressing that government action would facilitate qualitative education. However, Mr Bekinbo Joy, a class teacher from one of the affected schools said, “the governor’s decision was rash, adding that it would adversely affect those parents who are not buoyant enough to fund their children’s education at bigger private schools.
Also speaking, a secondary school teacher, Miss Ijeoma Nwaopala, said that the ban on the affected schools would cause more harm than good to the state. According to her, the level of drop out students will be much and will lead to unemployment. She opined that some parents may not afford the cost of fees in the high private schools in town, “children will have to move to far distance just to attend high schools”, she stressed.

Amarachi Anene / Sylvester Onyeazor & Juliet Onyeanunam

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Education

School Resumption:Rivers begins monitoring of compliance  to academics standards

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As Secondary and primary schools  in Rivers state ,including public and private owned  resumes for the first term 2025/2026 academic session  today after a one month vacation at the end of the third term  2024/2025 academic session .,the state ministry of education said quality assurance supervisors will resume school visitations and monitoring immediately.
The state ministry of Education disclosed this in a statement signed by the permanent secretary ,
Dr. (Mrs.) Ndidi Chikanele Utchay and made available to the tide ,the statement stated that staffs of department of quality assurance services (SEQAS)  in the ministry and it’s agencies will commence  immediate  routein assessment visitations to all schools in the state, to ensure Compliance with Established Educational Standards .
The statement reads thus:
“This is to notify all public and private schools operating in Rivers State that the State Education Quality Assurance Services (SEQAS) will commence follow-through and routine assessments immediately, upon resumption of the 2025/2026 academic session. These assessments are designed to:
 Ensure Compliance with Established Educational Standards.”
“Evaluate the Quality of Teaching and Learning,
Review Curriculum Implementation and Teaching Methods,
Assess Infrastructure and Learning Environment, and
Promote Students Welfare and Overall School Improvement.”
“Consequently, all Public and Private Schools are by this announcement advised to make all necessary preparations and ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements. “
The statement also said applications for School approvals and upgrades should be submitted directly to the office of the Permanent Secretary, as negotiations with individuals and agents will no longer be tolerated.
“The  state Ministry of Education appreciates your continuous co-operation and commitments to sustaining high educational standards in our dear State.”the statement stated.
By: Akujobi Amadi
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University of Port Harcourt elevates five professor’s on communication and public relations

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The  Governing Council of University of port Harcourt in Rivers state has appointed
 five new Professors of Communication and Media Studies of the institution.
This was contained in a Facebook handle of  the public relations officer of the university,Dr Sammy Kpenu  disclosed that those elevated to the ranks  of professor include erudite and world-class Prof. Ntiense James Usua , promoted to  professor of Broadcasting,
Prof. Faustina Ginikanwa Nwachukwu – Strategic Communication and Advertising, and
Prof. Benedict Obiora Agbo – Public Relations and Advertising.
Others are,Prof. Sunny C.J. Mbazie , Public Relations and Advertising, while
Prof. Clement Afamefuna Asadu ,was appointed  professor of Behaviour and Social Change Communication, of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Port Harcourt.
By: Akujobi Amadi
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Education

Our academic activities are AI driven – VC ….declares I’ntl Conf on education 

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The Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, has declared that all activities in the University are AI-driven, stressing  the need to prepare the future workforce through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education as a pathway to achieving sustainable development.
He  made this remark while declaring open the 4th Annual International Conference of the Department of Science Education, held from Wednesday,at the Faculty of Education Auditorium.
The vice chancellor commended the department for choosing a theme that aligns with his vision for the University and expressed optimism that the conference would produce a communiqué with clear strategies for the future.
Also speaking,the Head of Department, Science Education, Dr. Dorathy Ekineh,  stated that the convergence of STEM Education, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Sustainable Development is crucial in shaping the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem solvers.
According to her, the conference provides an opportunity to explore, discuss, and collaborate on strategies to equip the workforce with the skills required to face the challenges and seize the opportunities of the future.
Earlier In his welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof. Isaac N. Dokubo, described the conference as timely, noting that the world is rapidly embracing AI in all sectors.
He explained that the primary aim of the conference is to examine how AI and STEM Education can prepare tomorrow’s workforce to compete effectively with their counterparts globally.
 Delivering the keynote address, the Dean, Faculty of Education, University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Cheta Williams, stated that the workforce of the future will thrive at the intersection of STEM, Artificial Intelligence, and sustainability.
“If we align our education systems, innovations, and ethical compass, we will not just prepare for the future, we will shape it,” he stated .
He averred that the workforce of tomorrow is already being built today in classrooms, universities, innovation hubs, and government boardrooms,adding that the future is not something to wait for, but something to design and build together.
Also presenting a paper titled “STEM Education and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Future”, Prof. Keziah A. Achuonye from the Faculty of Education, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, highlighted the vital role of STEM in driving resilience and sustainable growth.
By: Akujobi Amadi
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