Education
Editor Tasks RSU Students On Hardwork
The Acting Deputy Editor of The Tide Newspapers, Mr Nelson Chukwudi, has challenged students of Mass Communication on hardwork and dedication to studies in order to become the needed future breeds of journalists in the nation’s ever-challenging journalism profession.
Chukwudi gave the charge during the excursion of some 300-Level students of the Mass Communication Department, Rivers State University (RSU), to the corporation, last Thursday.
Addressing the students at the end of the tour round the different units that aid the production of The Tide, Chukwudi stated that the journalism practice comes with a lot of responsibilities, maintaining that it required hardwork and dedication during studies to cope with the challenges of the profession
The acting deputy editor averred that journalism was a solid profession which provides vast opportunities for practitioners, but regretted, however, that most often; the personalities cultivated from the profession do not return the favours but treat journalists with scorn and distain.
He said, “For journalists, one thing is very clear: Journalism is a very solid profession. It makes people but unfortunately, most of those people it made fear or seldom want to support practitioners in the profession. But even so, it is a noble profession, and I urge you to approach your studies with an open mind, and the desire to make a difference in society”.
Describing journalism as a risky profession, the Editor said, however, that “the risk is that of exposure. It exposes us to good and bad people. As journalists, we see ourselves as endangered species because some times, we are targets of people who may feel hurt by our incisive reporting”.
While noting the National Universities Commission’s change of the Mass Communication curriculum, Chukwudi, stated that the students would specialize in the different fields of journalism of Print, Broadcast, New Media, among others, urging them to put in their best in their studies for excellent output.
The acting deputy editor, who took the students round all the critical sections in the corporation, reminded the students that the newspaper was unique, even as it is one of the oldest professions in the world with sustained and distinguished character.
Earlier, the Group News Editor of The Tide, Mr Victor Tew, while fielding questions from the students, explained the technicalities of the newspaper production from news gathering by the reporters to the production process of the newspaper.
Tew, who noted that all aspects of news gathering was challenging, further maintained that social media could not take the place of traditional journalism, particularly, print journalism, as it’s qualities stand the test of time.
Highlights of the excursion was a tour of the Newsroom, Library, Computer Section, and the two production facilities, including the old printing machines, and the state-of-the-art Goss Rotary Printing Machine, which prints about 30,000 copies per hour.
By: Lady Godknows Ogbulu
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.