Education
Don Gives Recipe For Depression Control
A professor of Counselling psychology at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Prof Joseph Barineka Kinanee has recommended the use of medications and psychotherapy as an antidote for effective management of people living with depression in the society.
Kinanee who gave this recommendation while delivering his inaugural lecture at the 10th inaugural lectures of the IAUOE held at the University’s auditorum in Port Harcourt, Thursday.
The former Acting Vice Chancellor while delivering his lecture on the topic “the traumata of frustration and depression: A Dilemma for Mental Health Professional in Nigeria” stated that records have shown that more women get into depression than their men counterparts all over the world.
He averred that psychological trauma was more painful and severe when compared to physical trauma adding that genetic, biological personality and endogenous are among other factors that caused depression.
According to him, seeking sufficient social support, keeping active as well as thinking correctly are some recommended ways by which stress could be manage.
The former Deputy Vice Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, however, said that depression was not an end to one’s life adding that adhearing to professional counseling as well as taking proper prescribed medications will bring succor to a depressed patient.
The lecturer examined psychological trauma associated with frustration and depression by discussing the possible causes, types, theories, efforts and their management. A related concept, suicide-one of the efforts of depression was also given attention with regard on how to help people with suicidal tendencies. Finally, he also discussed the dilemma being faced by mental health practitioners.
Prof Kinanee who is currently the chairman governing board Institute of Professional Studies (Business Schools and Maritimes Studies) urged government agencies at all levels and mental health professionals to harness their resources together in other to attend the grave consequences of frustration and depression, especially as the nation approaches to another electioneering year.
Earlier in his speech, the Vice Chancellor Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Prof Ozo Mekuri Ndimele described the lecturer as an erudite scholar who has proven his professional calling adding that the institution attached seriousness on inaugural lectures as it offers lecturers the opportunity to exhibit their professional experiences in their chosen careers.
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.