Education
VC Lists Gains Of Solar Hybrid Project At Varsity
Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi (FUAM), Prof. Richard Kimbir, has assured that the commissioning and handover of a 8.25MW of Solar Hybrid Project to the University by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) will embolden teaching, workshops and work output on campus.
He gave the assurance when Minister of State for Power, Mr. Goddy Jedy-Agba, represented by the Managing Director, REA, Engr. Ahmed Salihijo Ahmed, came to commission the project last Friday.
The Vice Chancellor explained that the university had seen constant power supply in the last one month even as he assured that “the optimal utilisation of electricity-powered workshops, laboratories, farm machineries, continual availability of internet connectivity and on-line services, which require electricity to function, would now be maximally guaranted.”
Our correspondent gathered that FUAM is one of the nine institutions earmarked to operate off the national grid, through efficient energy source and the third in the first phase of successful implementation.
A Memorendum of Understanding (MoU) for the project was signed in 2017 with REA under Energising Education Programme (EEP) Phase 1 comprising nine universities including UAM, for the purpose of supplying reliable and sustainable off-grid electricity on campus; provision of energy efficient solar street lights to ensure safety for students and develop and operate a training centre to train and certify students in courses related to renewable energy.
The elated Vice Chancellor said the university is supporting President Muhammadu Buhari’s next level agenda through fruitful research, technological and scientific breakthroughs as well as practical farming activities.
On his part, Managing Director, Engr. Ahmed Salihijo Ahmed,
REA said the Energising Education Programme targets training 200 students per university for expertise in the scheme in its first phase, which has undergone standard process of design and testing.
The agency’s MD who disclosed that the FUAM’s project is handled by Sterling and Wilson acknowledged the central role of the Ministry of Power in the delivery of the project.
Engr. Ahmed expressed the hope that the project, which is designed to meet the energy needs of the university and delivered in conformity with best national practices will be sustained and used optimally.
Senate Committee Chairman on Power, Sen. Gabriel Suswam who was full of gratitude to President Buhari for the success of the project said as parliamentarians, the National Assembly will continue to support the president’s good initiatives.
Senator Suswam noted that the project, which is a new phenomenon in power generation will further help to serve power needs of rural communities.
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.