Education
NDU Matriculates First Set Of Students In Marine Survey
The Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State last Saturday held its maiden matriculation for 68 students into the Post-Graduate Diploma programme in Marine Survey.
The virtual ceremony was held both at the Main Campus, University Auditorium, and the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research, Victoria Island in Lagos.
It was sponsored by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in collaboration with the Centre for Marine Surveyors, Nigeria, and Wider Perspective Limited.
The NCDMB Executive Secretary, Mr Simbi Wabote, while congratulating the students, said they were the first set to be admitted into the programme sponsored by NCDMB.
Wabote said: “This ceremony marks the official entry of students into this institution of learning.
“It is a statutory gathering to formally admit deserving and qualified candidates who are fortunate to be offered admission into this noble institution.”
He said that there was need to improve efficiency in maritime operations in Nigeria for global competitiveness.
“Improved predictability and transparency in maritime operations will go a long way in boosting confidence in the sector, which in turn will bring about increased revenue.
“Marine surveyors are greatly relied upon by the marine community to perform a wide range of tasks.
“These include advising purchasers, underwriters and lending institutions on the condition and valuation of vessels,” Wabote said.
He advised vessel owners on the need to recover or salvage a vessel in distress.
Also, Mr Adebambo Ademiluyi, President, Centre for Marine Surveyors, Nigeria, said marine surveyors played a prominent role in the industry adding that they provided integrity to the process of marine activities.
Ademiluyi, however, said there were no enough marine surveyors in the country, hence, the maiden ceremony to train more surveyors.
“There are lots of people who call themselves marine surveyors, but they have nothing to show for it in terms of certification.
“But, those with certification are the ones that have the integrity the customers can count on that they have gone through proper training.
“That is why we have set up this programme to train marine surveyors to serve Nigerians,” he said.
In her remarks, the Managing Director, Wider Perspective Ltd., MrsEdughom Hansen, said the objective of the programme was to develop in-country capacity of young graduates through training and certification to support the maritime industry.
Hansen, therefore, urged the students to make use of the opportunity afforded them, and ensure they attended classes, shun all forms of deviant behaviours and other vices, and be focussed.
“We hope that your experiences during your study will launch you to greater achievements as you commit yourself to learning.
“It is our desire to see a better you at the end of this programme.
“You must at all times show respect to your colleagues and staff of the university and other stakeholders; this will make your stay fruitful and productive,” she said.
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.