Education

VC Hails Release Of N16.6bn For RSU Campuses

Published

5 years ago

March 8, 2021

The Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Prof Nlerum Okogbule, has commended the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike for releasing N16.6 billion for the take-off of three additional campuses of the university in Ahoada, Emohua and Etche Local Government Area of the State.
Okogbule, who made the commendation during the celebration of his one year in office as Vice Chancellor of the university in Port Harcourt last Friday said the N16.6 billion released by the state government for three campuses of the university is one major favour his administration has benefitted, stressing that he can hardly thank the Governor enough for the unprecedented gesture.
He said this week, advertisements would be out for contractors to submit their bids for the building of the three campuses.
Okogbule also thanked Governor Wike for finding him worthy of appointment to the exalted position of Vice Chancellor of the institution, having served the university for over 32 years, contending that even though his appointment came at a challenging time of the Covid-19 pandemic, his administration has been able to weather the storm by recording within the past one year some landmark achievements.
The Vice Chancellor expressed delight that the university has been enjoying peace, which he attributed to the tremendous support and cooperation his administration has been getting from both academic and non-academic staff of the university as well as students and security agencies on campus.
He further noted with happiness that within the past one year in office, the university has become a massive construction site, as projects embarked upon by either the Rivers State Government or the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Tetfund) are ongoing or completed.
Okogbule hinted that promotion of staff who are due was effected by his administration without delay, and expressed delight that all the programmes running in the university are now fully accredited.
He said before the expiration of his tenure, the university would experience total transformation.

By: Emeka Igbe

Education

RSU Don Identifies Obstacles To Nigeria’s Road Construction Success

Published

4 hours ago

March 30, 2026

The Tide

A professor of Highway Engineering at the Rivers State University (RSU), Prof. Emmanuel Osilemme Ekwulo, has identified poor designs, inadequate materials, insufficient testing, and lack of accountability as major obstacles to the success of highway construction projects in the country.

Ekwulo made this remark in Port Harcourt last Wednesday during the 128th inaugural lecture series of the university, where he presented a lecture titled “Removing Roadblocks: Rebuilding a Foundation for Reliable Highway Pavement Infrastructure.”

The university don lamented the consistent premature failures of road construction projects nationwide, despite huge investments by the government at all levels, attributing the problem to neglected basics and systemic principles in the industry.

According to him, rebuilding the foundation technically, institutionally, and ethically is crucial to building strong and lasting pavements.

Ekwulo emphasized the need for political will, professional integrity, and commitment to engineering excellence to overcome the challenges.

“The metaphoric roadblocks are those challenges causing premature failures,” Ekwulo said, adding that identifying and addressing these roadblocks is key to rebuilding the nation’s highways.

He recommended that institutions involved in road design and construction adopt a mechanistic-empirical design approach, and develop a comprehensive framework for implementing the Nigerian Imperial and Mechanistic Pavement Design System (NEMPADS) approach.

Ekwulo also advocated for mandatory traffic load analysis, strengthened university-industry collaboration, and funding for applied pavement research.

Corruption, he noted, is a major challenge in the profession, saying severe punitive measures are needed to curb shabby practices leading to premature road failures.

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, described Ekwulo’s lecture as interesting and intriguing, highlighting the importance of implementing solutions to Nigeria’s highway challenges.

The Vice Chancellor also described Ekwulo’s proposals as practical and applicable to government and industry stakeholders.

He said the university is committed to research aligned with national development goals, referencing its NDV-12 responsive consortium production framework.

Zeb-Obipi noted that Ekwulo’s recommendations are timely and solution-driven, and will contribute to addressing Nigeria’s highway challenges.

Akujobi Amadi

Education

ENUC President tasks ASTEC foundation Schools on dedication, value oriented teaching

Published

1 week ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

ASTEC Foundation Schools (AFS) owned by the seventh_ day adventist church had the distinct honour of hosting the President of the Eastern Nigeria Union Conference (ENUC), Pastor Onyebuchi Thomas Opara, on his first official pastoral visit to the institution Owerrita in Abia state, recently.

The visit which marked a significant moment in the history of the school, featured the dedication of the newly landscaped roads, dedication of renovated buildings and the consecration of pupils and staff.

The ENUC President who was accompanied by the President of the Aba North Conference (ANC), Pastor Henry Emeka Nwankwo, further emphasized the importance of the visit and the strong support of the Church leadership toward the advancement of Adventist education.

It is noteworthy that Pastor Onyebuchi Thomas Opara also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Management of ASTEC, demonstrating his deep commitment to the institution’s progress and mission.

Addressing the teachers students and pupils of the college at Owerrenta in Abia state over the weekend,Pastor Opara charged the teachers to see themselves as missionaries within the school system, emphasizing the need to model Christ-like character and values before the pupils entrusted to their care.

He encouraged them to regard their profession as a divine calling, shaping both the intellectual and spiritual lives of the learners.

In his welcome address, the Principal of ASTEC, Pastor Ahaoma Chigozirim Nwanma, PhD, warmly received the distinguished guests. He expressed heartfelt appreciation to the ENUC leadership for their continued support and commitment to the growth of the Adventist institution and humbly solicited their prayers for the staff and pupils.

The Headmistress of ASTEC Foundation Schools, Mrs. Charity Nwankwo, delivered the vote of thanks, and expressed deep gratitude to Pastor Opara for his pastoral visit and dedicatory prayers. She also acknowledged Pastor Henry Emeka Nwankwo and the ASTEC community leadership team for their consistent support, guidance, and commitment to the development of the Foundation Schools.

A special recognition was accorded to the PTA Chairman, Hon. (MG) Uzoma George, for his invaluable contributions and steadfast support to the school.

The visit was graced by ASTEC community leaders, as well as members of AFS staff and pupils, who gave a warm and enthusiastic reception to the visiting dignitaries.

The visit and dedication ceremony reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Church and school leadership to fostering a conducive learning environment that promotes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and character development.

By: Akujobi Amadi

Education

Opobo Kingdom moves to incorporate Ibani Language Into School Curriculum, Takes Off April

Published

1 week ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

In a bid to preserve the cultural heritage and promote the values of Opobo Kingdom, the Ibani Language will be reinstated and incorporated into the various communities and institutions of learning.

This reinstatement was declared by the Amanyanabo-Elect of Opobo Kingdom, Alabo Charles Douglas MacPepple-Jaja, Jeki VI , saying that the initiative will take effect from next month

The Amanyanabo-Elect made this statement during his speech recently in port Harcourt,where he stated that the initiative was a key component hinged on his five-point agenda.

The Monarch explained that the goal was to enhance the indigenous language and incorporate everyone at different strata including children and youths from ages 4-16.

The King Elect further added that, in order to achieve this, there would be deployment of modern multimedia tools to facilitate the process.

The Monarch also assured that research techniques will be deployed as there will be partnership with schools and communities across the Opobo clan.

He maintained that the execution of the project is a major step in the preservation of the Ibani Language and Cultural heritage of the people.