Education
AU’s Diplomatic School Takes Off In PH
The African Union (AU) Diplomatic school is to commence academic activities September this year in Rivers State.
The Nigerian Representative at the African Union Economic Social and Cultural Council, Dr. Tunji John Asuolu disclosed this at a press briefing as part of the ground breaking ceremony of the school at the Chiefs Hotel, Rumuagholu, Port Harcourt.
Dr Asuolu who said that Nigeria and indeed Rivers State as the first to host the institution in the entire African continent in terms, said that the institution was setup by the Africa union to reignite the spirit of pan Africanism among the younger and future generations of Africans.
He also said that the institution will breeds generations of Africans that will place the continent at par with Europe and other continents across the world, stressing that the much cherished cultural value of Africa will be reflected in All facets of the school.
According to him, the African union Diplomatic school which will have its kindergarten nursery primary and secondary as well as post secondary schools will train career diplomats that will move the continent from its present level to a higher level.
Also speaking, the proprietor of Chiefa hotel Rumuogholu Port Harcourt, sir Promise Njiowhor, said that his decision to help in the establishment of the school in Rivers State was to ensure that Rivers people get the best in terms of quality education.
Sir Njiowhor who handed over part of the hotel for the use of the school, said that he believers that Rivers State should be at the arm of affairs at all times, stressing that he was happy to be part of the team that will develop future generations of Africans.
Also speaking, Mr George E.N. Prince, described it as a privileged for Rivers State to be the first to host the school in the entire continent.
Mr Prince said that the school was setup to produce future leaders of African and thanked Sir Njiowhor for his support.
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.