Education
Ex-VC Lists Gains Of Science
A former Vice Chancellor of Ignatuis Ajuru University of Education (IAUOE), Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Prof Rosemund Dienye Green-Osahogulu has identified science as a tool to attitudinal change in the society.
Prof Green-Osahogulu made the assertion while presenting the inaugural lecture with the topic, Science: “A Key to Attitudinal Changes”, held at the university’s auditorium in Port Harcourt, last Thursday.
The former Vice Chancellor who is Professor of Science Education described science among other things, as a knowledge ascertained by observation and experiment, critically tested, systematised and brought under general principles adding that the term sciencing was first used in 1938 by an American anthropologist, Leslie white in his essay titled, Science Sciencing”
She indentified 25 scientific attitudes which include curiosity rationality, critical mindedness, Humility, Cooperativeness, cautiousness patience, objectivity among others as scientific qualities which a science practitioner must posses during an investigation or carrying out a research.
According to her, when science practitioners observe the various scientific attitudes enumerated, such attitudes will help them to arrive at what she called verifiable product adding that science products are subject to changes.
She decried lack of usage scientific teaching methods by science teachers in teaching students in schools and called for a departure in such teaching approach adding that the various scientific laboratories and other scientific methods should be encouraged while teaching students in schools.
She further disclosed that the teaching of science starts from home adding that parents are critical partners in the teaching of science to their children.
She averred that science should form key value in all educational endeavours as it will help to build citadels of learning based on the truth because truth is knowledge, “attitude is a little thing that “makes a big difference”, therefore, we can start exposing our pupils to these science processes and attitudes in our classrooms and it will help us catch them young because they will make the big difference in the country”. Science educator s must also work on their attitudes using the compliance strategy we will work towards moving our academic institutions state and country for ward” she stated. Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of IAUOE, Prof, Ozo-Mekuri Ndimele commended Prof Rosemund for her academic expertise adding that the lecture has ascertained her educational proficiency especially in the areas of science Education and teaching. He used the occasion to call on science teachers to be patient while carrying out their investigation adding that science was a tool for attitudinal change in the society.
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.