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Stakeholders Hail Wike’s Approval Of Three New RSU Campuses
Pleasant reactions have continued to trail the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike’s release of N16.6billion for the upgrading of facilities at the Medical College of the Rivers State University and the creation of three new campuses of the institution in Emohua, Etche and Ahaoda areas.
Reacting to the development, renowned economist and Lecturer, Prof Okey Onuchukwu, who spoke with The Tide in a telephone interview, yesterday, said it was a welcome development, given its futuristic ability of developing the area.
Onuchukwu pointed out that areas like Akuku-Toru and Asari-Toru, including the Degema axis would be positively affected when the campuses begin full operation.
He also noted that land in the area would soon appreciate in value, thereby, improving the economic lives of the people.
On whether the initiative was coming late or early, he said it came at the right time.
He further said that it would increase the people’s perception of life and as well boost their taste for education.
In his view, a businessman, Mr Pedro Akpaka, described the initiative as a worthy venture and a morale booster, adding that it would bring education closer to the people, given its presence in the rural areas.
“The initiative is worthwhile. I think is will help to encourage education among the people, since it is located in the rural area”, he said.
According to him, the Governor Wike’s gesture, especially the planned campus in Ahaoda, would create an everlasting bond between the people and Rivers State Government.
Another respondent, Barrister Emperor Nnaoma, averred that the plan would cause hybrid educational growth in all the three targeted areas.
Nnaoma said that most intending students from the three target areas for the new campuses would be tempted to study those courses offered in such campuses for the sake of proximity.
He, however, applauded Governor Wike for the vision, and pleaded with him to consider anywhere in Ikwerre Local Government Area, for the forth campus of the Rivers State University, if there would be such plans.
The Dean, Post Graduate Studies in the Rivers State University, Prof Adolphus Toby, said that the decentralisation policy of the state government to establish three campuses of the state university was a welcome development.
He noted that it would help check social vices amongst the youths.
Toby said that the plan by the state government to establish three more campuses of the state university at Ahoada, Emohua and Etche would take education to the grassroots.
“The Wike administration has shown commitment to education. It is not a question of promise. We are mobilized already,” Toby said.
He said the university community was elated over the development as it would help spread arms of the university across all parts of the state.
On his part, a social commentator and former caretaker committee chairman of Opobo/Nkoro LGA, Sir Boma Brown, said it would stir and attract built environment development.
He said “it will attract urbanisation and industrialization and most of the young people in the rural areas will be exposed to knowledge”.
He, however, advised that technical and vocational education should be introduced in the new campuses.
The Head of Department, Pharmacology, College of Medical Sciences (RSU), Dr. Woke Ekene, said, “It is a very good one. In fact, these are the kind of things we expect from our government. It will bring about development to the communities where the campuses will be cited. It will also reduce unemployment and youth restiveness”.
A Port Harcourt-based legal practitioner, Barrister Kingston Wordu, said, “Education is the bedrock of the society. If Governor Nyesom Wike has decided to invest in education with this sum, then, it is a good step. It means that Wike means well for this state. By the time the projects are completed, you will agree with me that they would be an all-inclusive project and with this university, education in the state will take a higher dimension”.
A Post-Graduate student of Medical Laboratory, RSU, Mrs Festa ThankGod, said, “It’s a welcome development. Taking the campuses to those areas will help stretch development to the areas. Definitely, there will be employment. It will also lessen the crowd in the main campus. But all these can only be achieved if the people in charge will make judicious use of the money”.
A civil servant in the state Ministry of Environment, G.P. Ijeije said, “This is a very solid step towards upgrading the state-owned university. The challenge, however, is that we are not maximizing our space. The main campus can be solidly built with high tech infrastructures, and these other spaces used for agricultural development and the likes’.
A medical doctor, Soibi Onengiye, said, “With this amount of money, RSU will be a state-of-the-art institution that can compete favourably with its overseas counterparts. Governor Wike has the state’s tertiary school system at heart. The only problem is the fear of the system we are in. At least, we can be sure that our children in that institution are in safe hands, among other benefits of employment and development”.
In his reaction, the Paramount Ruler of Okehi Kingdom in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Eze Stanley Munoye Ogbu said, the governor’s gesture has shown his administration’s unparalleled commitment to the development of the education sector in the state.
Ogbu described the move as a welcomed development, noting that the benefiting communities would be impacted economically, socially and politically.
He averred that the present administration in the state has written their name in the annals of the state, adding that the Wike’s administration would be remembered by posterity.
Also speaking, an architect, Chinwendu Nwubi described the gesture as a Valentine gift for the people of the state, saying that the move would fast-track development of the benefiting communities and decongest Port Harcourt metropolis.
Nwubi further opined that most people within the
By: King Onunwor, Amadi Akujobi, Susan Serekara-Nwikhana, Enoch Epelle, Kevin Nengia & Lady Godknows Ogbulu
The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has assured the commitment of Rivers State government to workers’s welfare and industrial harmony in Rivers State.
The Sole Administrator gave the assurance after meeting with leadership of organized labour unions at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Ibas reaffirmed government’s policy of prompt payment of salaries and pensions to workers and retirees, stating that all local government employees are not receiving the approved minimum wage.
He disclosed that approval has been given for payment of newly employed staff at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Judiciary, while medical workers in Local Government Areas will now receive correct wages.
Ibas explained that, Government is reviewing implementation challenges of the Contributory Pension Scheme ahead of the July 2025 deadline, adding that Intervention buses have been reintroduced to ease workers’ transportation ,with plans to expand the fleet.
He said specialized leadership training for top civil servants will commence within two weeks, while due consideration is being given to implementing the N32,000 consequential adjustment for pensioners and clearing outstanding gratuities.
Ibas commended Rivers State workers for their dedication to service and called for sustained partnership with labour unions to maintain industrial peace.
“This administration recognizes workers as critical partners in development. We remain committed to addressing your legitimate concerns within available resources,” he stated.
The State NLC Chairman, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, thanked the Administrator for the steps taken so far with regard to workers welfare while appreciating his disposition towards alleviating the transportation problem faced by workers.
He also expressed appreciation for the government’s openness to dialogue and pledged continued cooperation towards achieving mutual goals.
The Rivers State Government assured all workers of its unwavering commitment to their welfare and called for continued dedication to service delivery for the collective progress of our dear State.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers Council, has called for policies that will improve the economic situation of the country in order to ensure enhanced living standard for workers.
The State Chairman, Mr Alex Agwanwor, made the remark on behalf of the unions affiliated to Labour Congress during the 2025 workers day celebration in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Agwanwor highlighted the demands of the Unions which included the immediate payment of pension arrears, implementation of the N32,000 minimum wage for pensioners, and payment of gratuities and death benefits without further delay.
“We are calling for the regulation and protection of e-hailing drivers, implementation of increments and promotions, and resolution of long-standing issues in the polytechnic sector,” he said.
Agwanwor on behalf of the unions appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reinstate the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
He stressed the importance of democratic governance and good working relationship with elected representatives.
According to him, the unions expressed disappointment over the imposition of taxes, increase in electricity tariff, and high cost of goods and services, which have further worsened the plight of workers.
“We urge the federal government to take measures to alleviate the suffering of citizens,” he said.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu is committed to unlocking Nigeria’s full potential and position the country as a leading force on the African continent.
Shettima stated this when he hosted a delegation from the Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, led by its Senior Fellow, Dr Rolf Alter, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja last Wednesday.
He said Nigeria was actively seeking expertise from the global best institutions to enhance policy formulation and implementation, particularly in human capital development.
The Vice-President noted that President Tinubu was determined to elevate Nigeria to its rightful position as a leading force in Africa.
“The current crop of leadership in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is ready and willing to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian nation on the African continent.
” We are laying the groundwork through strategic reforms, and at the heart of it, is human capital development.”
He described the Hertie School as a valuable partner in the journey.
According to him, Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, has track record and institutional knowledge to add value to our policy formulation and delivery, especially in this disruptive age.
Shettima reiterated the government’s priority on upskilling Nigerians, saying ” skills are very important, and with our Human Capital Development (HCD) 2.0 programme.
“We are in a position to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian people by enhancing their capital skills.”
The Vice-President acknowledged the vital support of international development partners in that effort.
” I want to thank the World Bank, the European Union, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and all our partners in that drive to add value to the Nigerian nation,” he maintained.
The Vice-President said human capital development was both an economic imperative and a social necessity.
Shettima assured the delegation of the government’s readiness to deepen cooperation.
” We need the skills and the capacity from your school. The world is now knowledge-driven.
“I wish to implore you to have a very warm and robust partnership with the government and people of Nigeria.”
Shettima further explained recent economic decisions of the government, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms.
“The removal of fuel subsidy, the unification of the exchange rate regime and the revolution in the energy sector are all painful processes, but at the end of the day, the Nigerian people will laugh last.
“President Tinubu is a very modern leader who is willing to take far-reaching, courageous decisions to reposition the Nigerian economy,” he added.
Earlier, Alter, congratulated the Tinubu administration for the successful launch and implementation of the Human Capital Development (HCD) strategy.
The group leader described the development as ambitious and targeted towards the improvement of the lives of the citizens.
He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his engagements since arriving in the country.
He applauded the zeal, commitment, energy and goodwill observed among stakeholders in the implementation of Nigeria’s HCD programme.
Alter said the Hertie School of Governance would work closely with authorities in Nigeria across different levels to deliver programmes specifically designed to address the unique needs of the country.
He, however, stressed the need for government officials at different levels to be agile and amenable to the dynamics of the evolving world, particularly as Nigeria attempted to successfully accelerate its human capital development aspirations.
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