Education
RSU Matriculates College Of Medical Sciences’ Second Batch
A total of 91 fresh medical students have been admitted as second batch in to the College of Medical Sciences of The Rivers State University, (RSU) Nkpolu, Port Harcourt and were among the 3,750 students recently inducted as Fresh students of the institution.
The vice chancellor of the University, Prof Blessing Chinezie Didia stated this during the 37th matriculation ceremony of the institution held at the convocation arena, in Port Harcourt, Wednesday.
Didia said the measure was intended to keep alive the vision of the founding fathers of the State and give hope to Rivers people in their quest to achieve health care for the State in the Future.
He opined that the purpose of establishing a university was for the acquisition and transfer of knowledge from one generation to another, adding that the provision of appropriate skills and knowledge for economic development through technological innovations and development of new ideas also constitute some of the reasons for the establishment of a university.
According to him, “the current trend in the universities world wide is the transformation of the system from not only providing knowledge but the re-evolution of their mission and strategies to move the institution forward, especially at this age of massive competition. All that the situation demands now is that any university who wishes to succeed has to be ready to compete, exploit opportunities and generate ideas, this becoming relevant, excellent and reputable” he stated.
The RSU Vice Chancellor averred that it was with the vision to develop a model university that his administration consciously forged partnership with the private sector to tap into available finances for Research and Development.
He stated that the university currently is collaborating with Entrepreneurship and Innovation Centre Ltd, through the state Ministry of Employment to set up a fashion village at the university with the aim to train Rivers youth in fashion skills as to mass produce coverall, uniform for schools and industries as it would contribute to address the challenges of unemployment in the state as well as remove the youth from crime.
Prof Blessing further disclosed that the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) will soon have a befitting complex, with offices, classrooms, auditorium, etc adding that the building which was under construction would be furnished and connected to National grid.
He thanked the Tet fund for approving the project, adding that the complex when completed would also double as the Hub for the envisaged Business School of the University.
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.