Education

Police Drank My Palm Wine, Set My Eight Bedroom Apartment On Fire -Retired School Principal

Published

5 years ago

January 25, 2021

A retired school principal and a native of Nweol community in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State has alleged that the divisional police officers (DPOs) of Kpor and Bori Divisions led police teams that burnt his eight bedroom house after drinking his palm wine in 2017, and demanded the payment of N200million as compensation for the wanton destruction meted against him and family.

Mr Barikpo Sunday made these allegations when he appeared at the state Commission of Inquiry into the alleged Acts of Violence, Torture, Brutality, Murder and Violation of the Fundamental Rights of Citizens committed by officers, men and operatives of the Nigerian police in the state, last Wednesday, in Port Harcourt.

He explained that the police team met him on his way to the farm at 6.30am on that day and stopped him, adding that they asked him to bring his palm wine jar he was carrying on his hand, which they drank without paying a dime.

According to him, after the policemen drank the palm wine, they asked him if he knew where the bad boys were staying in the bush but he told them that he does not know, and they left him.

The retired principal said that after the interrogation from the police along the farm road, he proceeded to his farm and continued his daily work, adding that a minute later, the policemen invaded his farm but later left.

“They asked me whether I knew where the bad boys were, and I said no. They left me alone. I’m a retired civil servant and resorted to palm wine business and farming”.

The 66-year old retiree told members of the commission that “I got home at about 6pm on the fateful day, and met a mammoth crowd in my compound trying to stop the fire but without any success as the fire razed my building”.

He added that he lost all his properties, money, house effects, including his children’s properties and certificates.

“All my certificates and children’s certificates are gone. We cannot attend any interviews where certificates would be presented. I withdrew N150, 000 from Fidelity Bank on Friday, and on Sunday, the police set my house ablaze. Everything is gone.

“It was a Good Samaritan that gave me this clothe I’m wearing. My wife and children have nothing because we were all away from the house when the police invaded my house, and set it ablaze”, he stated.

He called on the commission to ensure that justice was done on the matter so as to salvage his family from the untold hardship facing them at the moment.

Education

BUK Taps Content Creators to Expand Its Digital Footprint

Published

3 days ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has unveiled a team of Digital Media Ambassadors as part of efforts to strengthen the institution’s online presence and deepen engagement with stakeholders.

The initiative was announced in a statement signed by the Head of the Digital Media Unit, Mr Nura Garba, and shared on the university’s official social media platforms.

According to the statement, the Digital Media Unit held its inaugural meeting with the selected content creators on Monday at the unit’s office in the Senate Building.

Garba explained that the ambassadors were appointed to serve as digital brand advocates for the university across various online platforms.

“The ambassadors will serve as digital brand advocates, content creators and community connectors, helping to expand the University’s online reach and engagement,” he said.

He added that the appointees would support official communication, promote university events, document campus experiences and provide feedback on public perception of BUK across digital platforms.

Isa Kaita College

The appointed ambassadors are Ameer Umar Ibrahim, Arafat Yakubu Onono, Okeneme Favour Mmesoma, Abubakar Zubair (Master), Mustapha Sani Jibril, Auwal Muhammad Hamma, Idris Abdullahi, Nuruddeen Murtala Muhammad, Mukhtar Muhammad and Samuel Maina.

Garba noted that the initiative forms part of the university’s broader strategy to enhance its digital footprint and ensure effective, timely communication with internal and external stakeholders.

“The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to professionalism, collaboration and the promotion of the University’s image on global digital platforms,” the statement added.

Education

RSU Warns Fresh Students Against Malpractices, Cultism, Admits 5,601 for 2025/2026 Session

Published

3 days ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State University (RSU) Nkpolu Oroworukwu, Port Harcourt has warned fresh students against examination malpractices and cultism, describing such acts as serious offences in the university.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, stated this on Wednesday while admitting 5,601 fresh students offered admission to study in the university for the 2025/2026 academic session during its 44th Matriculation Ceremony held at the Convocation Arena.

Prof. Zeb-Obipi warned the students that the university has zero tolerance for examination malpractices, cultism, and other anti-social activities that are detrimental to the university’s growth and advancement, adding that the punishment for such nefarious acts is outright expulsion from the university.

The VC congratulated the students on earning admission through merit and advised them to pursue academic excellence, discipline, integrity, and leadership. He emphasized the importance of these values in shaping their future and contributing to national development.

Prof. Zeb-Obipi encouraged the students to take advantage of the opportunities available at RSU, including academic programs, research facilities, and extracurricular activities. He urged them to be proactive and make the most of their time at the university.

The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the university’s achievements and contributions to the region, including its research output, community engagement, and alumni success stories. He assured the students that they are joining a vibrant and dynamic community that is committed to excellence.

Prof. Zeb-Obipi also encouraged timely payment of fees and proper registration, highlighting support opportunities like the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). He advised students to be diligent in their academic pursuits and avoid financial difficulties.

The faculty distribution of matriculants includes: Administration & Management – 735; Agriculture – 52; College of Medical Sciences – 988; Communication & Media Studies – 702; Education – 130; Engineering – 1,137; Environmental Sciences – 137; Humanities – 204; Law – 218; Medical Laboratory Sciences – 71; Science – 962; and Social Sciences – 265.

Prof. Zeb-Obipi thanked parents and guardians for trusting RSU with their children’s education and encouraged them to use the Student Sponsor Account on the University portal to track progress. He also urged staff to continue shaping the minds and character of the next generation.

The Vice-Chancellor urged students to uphold RSU’s motto: Excellence and Creativity. He reminded them that their education at RSU is a privilege and a responsibility, and that they should strive to make the most of it.

The matriculation ceremony was a moment of celebration and new beginnings for the fresh students, who were welcomed to the RSU community with open arms. The university looks forward to shaping them into well-rounded graduates who will make a positive impact in society.

The ceremony ended with a charge to the students to be ambassadors of the university and to uphold the values of excellence, creativity, and integrity.

By: Akujobi Amadi

Education

IAUE VC Praises Lale’s Legacy as Renowned Academic and Visionary Leader

Published

3 days ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

The Vice chancellor Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) Rumuolumeni port Harcourt Rivers state, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, has described Professor N. E. S. Lale as an exceptional scholar and administrator whose contributions to university education have left an enduring legacy.

Onuchuku made the remarks during the grand retirement reception held in honour of Professor Lale at the IAUE Auditorium, Main Campus Rumuolumeni, in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the state recently.

He noted that the reception was organised to celebrate Professor Lale’s distinguished academic career, visionary leadership, and invaluable service to the Nigerian university system.

The Vice-Chancellor said Professor Lale distinguished himself as a visionary leader, noting that his tenure as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt was marked by academic stability, institutional growth, and purposeful governance.

He commended Professor Lale’s commitment to academic excellence, research advancement, and strengthening of university systems.

According to Onuchuku, Professor Lale exemplified integrity, discipline, and selfless service, qualities that earned him respect within and outside the academic community. He described Professor Lale as a dedicated mentor who nurtured generations of scholars and administrators across the Nigerian university system.

Onuchuku noted that Professor Lale’s leadership style promoted collaboration, innovation, and human capacity development. He said the public lecture delivered at the event reflected the depth of experience and insight acquired by Professor Lale over decades of academic and administrative service.

The Vice-Chancellor pointed out that the lecture offered valuable lessons on leadership, scholarship, and service to emerging academics and university administrators. He highlighted the presentation of two scholarly books authored by Professor Lale as evidence of his commitment to research and knowledge production.

Onuchuku attributed the retirement reception as a fitting tribute to a man whose life and career were devoted to the advancement of education and national development. The event was a celebration of Professor Lale’s legacy and contributions to the academic community.

The retirement reception was attended by academics, administrators, and dignitaries from various universities and institutions. It was a testament to Professor Lale’s impact and influence in the academic community.

Professor Lale’s retirement marks the end of an era, but his legacy continues to inspire and motivate future generations of scholars and administrators. IAUE and the academic community at large will remember his contributions and achievements.

The Vice-Chancellor and the academic community wish Professor Lale a happy retirement and success in his future endeavours.

By: King onuwor