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‘FG Determined To Transform Public Tertiary Institutions’

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The Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, says the Federal Government is determined to leverage on transformation of public tertiary institutions, to outlive landscape of the education sector.
Adamu, who was represented by the Pro-Chancellor, University of Benin and Co-founder, Eko Hospital, Dr Sunny Kuku, made the assertion at the third edition of Taxpayers’ Forum, organised by Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), yesterday, in Lagos.
The programme has the theme: “TETFund Intervention; Catalyst For Transforming Tertiary Education in Nigeria”.
The minister said transformation of the country’s public tertiary institutions would be a deliberate emphasis on science subjects, as was the current global trend.
“I wish to urge all stakeholders in the education sector, especially the public tertiary institutions, that government is determined to ensure that it transforms the entire landscape of our institutions.
“We have recently been approving more funds for priority content components like research, manuscript development, library development and academic staff training and development.
“TETFund has over the years, contributed immensely to the advancement of tertiary education in Nigeria, through the commitment of this respectable forum, using the two per cent Education Tax (EDT) collection.
“It is no longer news that TETFund has become a model Nigerian intervention brand, with a preponderance of different intervention projects that cut across critical sectors of tertiary institutions,” Adamu said.
He added that in the last three decades, billions of naira had been realised as EDT, which had impacted tremendously in transforming and repositioning of institutions in Nigeria.
“Hence, it did not come as a surprise, when in 2012, TETFund decided to appreciate its taxpayers for the first time ever and instituted the taxpayers forum,” Adamu said.
Also, Prof. Suleiman Bogoro, Executive Secretary of TETFund, said research remained the most important aspect and instrument of advanced learning and innovation, if society intended to make meaningful progress.
Bogoro said research had remained a special intervention line of the fund, since it was introduced in 2009.
“Despite efforts of my predecessors around research, given the level of growth in the country, I took the decision to take research to the next level in the country.
“Accordingly, in 2014, I recommended that the Board of Trustees should approve establishment of the Department of Research and Development/Centers of Excellence in TetFund.
“It was thought that research without development, will not provide the growth that Nigeria direly needs as a nation,” Bogoro said.
He added that the intention to promote research and innovation in tertiary institutions, research institutions and industry, as well as establishment of centres of excellence across tertiary institutions, remained a priority.
“Within the fund, the national research fund was set up, N3billion was provided for its take off in 2011 and in 2015, another N1billion was added.
“Our commitment and resolve to contribute in building a prosperous nation remains unshaken,” Bogoro said.
He added that today marked the third edition in the series of taxpayers’ forum that the TETFund had been organising, since its inception in 2011.
“The significance of regular interactions between TETFund, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and taxpayers across the country, cannot be over emphasised.
“We are here to appreciate the taxpayers in particular, for their patriotism and sacrifice in supporting us and in the payment of education tax respectively,” he said.
Mr Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, Chairman, Board of Trustees, TETFund, said the taxpayers’ forum had always served as a platform to honour and identify individuals and companies that had made tremendous contributions to education.
Ibrahim-Imam said the individuals and companies, contributed to education through consistent payment of education tax.
“TETFund has become synonymous with excellence. Currently, we have partnered with another Federal agency to energise at least, 25 institutions with electricity,” he said.
Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, said TETFund had left indelible positive footprints and served as a catalyst for sustainable tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
Ogundipe said that TETFund interventions had impacted positively on infrastructural and human development of tertiary institutions over the years.
“Inconsistencies in education tax payments by companies have translated to low EDT collections.
“Available data in 2018, confirms that about 2,286,812 companies are registered in Nigeria, but only 104,624 have been paying EDT since inception of the fund,” he said.
NAN reports that TETFund awarded some individuals and companies, who had contributed to the success of funds intervention.
They included, the minister of education; Alhaji Muhammad Nami- Executive Chairman, FIRS, Nigeria LNG and Nestle Nigeria Ltd., among others.

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Association Seeks Government Intervention in Desilting of Canal 

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2 days ago

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December 8, 2025

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The Rumuokania 2 New layout Landlords Association in the Obio/Akpor local government area of Rivers State is seeking the intervention of the Rivers State Government in the desilting of the canal which transverses several  communities including Mgbaraja,Ogbogoro,Egbule,Elioparanwo,Ozuoba and other communities in the area.
The Association which said this at a media briefing in Port Harcourt also lauded Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the construction of the Rumuoke/pipeline internal roads.
The landlords said the canal impede the free flow of water from the affected communities thereby causing severe flooding whenever it rains in the area.
The Association also commended the governor for the ongoing construction and rehabilitation of road across the state, adding, the gesture has not only rekindled hope of Rivers people for a better tomorrow,but has bought prosperity across communities in the state.
According to a Press release made available to news men during the briefing,”We are gathered here today to express immense appreciation to His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State,Sir Fubara, GSSRS,for the construction of the Rumuoke/pipeline Internal roads.
“We also wish to use this medium to request the desilting of the Canal transversing the area and the construction of adjoining roads to the area.
“We acknowledge with profound gratitude the transformative governance going on in Rivers State under the purposely and impactful leadership of Governor Fubara.
“The visible impact of his administration across all sectors, particularly the rehabilitation and construction of new roads,has rekindled hope among the people and brought prosperity to our communities”The Association said.
The landlords particularly praised the Governor for the successful  completion of  the  Rumuoke Road from Okilton junction off Ada George Road to Road 9-2nd & 3rd Avenue, Road 10-2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue, and Pipeline Road upto the canal, expertly executed by Monier Construction Company (MCC).
They noted that,prior to the intervention of the Governor,the road was in an extremely deplorable state, impassable, and prone to flash floods whenever it rains.
“Most houses and business premises were often flooded as people could hardly leave or access the area,while economic activities were completely paralyzed.
“The newly constructed internal roads have completely eased traffic in the area, boosted economic activities, and improved the quality of life of residents of Rumuokania and Rumuoke communities”
The release which was jointly signed by pastor Joel Gbandi, chairman of The Association and Lucky Ashley Atiegoba secretary,on behalf of the Landlords also expressed gratitude to the Governor for the  construction of all internal roads in the area.
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It however drew the , attention of the Governor to an emerging issue which they said poses  threat to the durability of this critical road infrastructure.
According to the landlords,”at the terminus of the newly constructed pipeline road, the adjoining canal is severely blocked, impeding the free flow of water .
“The canal serves as a vital waterway, traversing several communities, including Rumuokania, Mgbraja, Ogbogoro, Egbelu, Elioparanwo, Mini-Orlu, Rumue-vorlu, Rumuokwachi, Ozuoba, Iwofe, Rumuolumeni, Rumuepirikom, and Mini-kete, among other communities.
“This obstruction has caused water to back up onto the surface of the newly constructed road, leading to accelerated erosion and hazardous conditions for surrounding buildings, motorists, and pedestrians alike within RumuokaniaRumuoke communities.
“It is against this backdrop that we respectfully request the kind intervention of our dear Governor in this regard:
” We humbly request the desilting of the canal to restore proper drainage and prevent water overflowonto the newly constructed internal roads and flooding within the communities.
“. We also request the construction of adjoining roads to the area to provide alternative pathways and improve overall accessibility in the area.
“Addressing these germane concerns will not only safeguard the investment of the state government in road infrastructure in the area but will also mitigate flooding, enhance safety, and further elevate the living standards of residents of Rumuokania and Rumuoke communities”the landlords said.
By: John Bibor
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Rivers Judges Begin Christmas Vacation Dec 23

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2 days ago

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December 8, 2025

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Judges of the High Courts of Rivers State will proceed on this year’s Christmas and New Year vacations on Tuesday, 23rd December 2025.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Registrar, State High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi, on behalf of the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Chibuzor Amadi, and made available to newsmen over the weekend.

The statement stated that judges will commence the yuletide vacation from Tuesday, 23rd of December 2025, and resume on Monday, January 12, 2026.

According to the statement, the directive is in compliance with the provision of Order 49 Rule 4(C) of the High Court of Rivers State Civil Procedure Rule, 2023.

The statement added that during the period of the vacation, all judicial divisions of the High Court of the State shall remain closed, while a vacation judge shall be designated to entertain only urgent applications and matters filed during the vacation.

 By: Akujobi Amadi 

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Govt-Approved Land Authority Emerges In Alesa To End Land Grabbing

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2 days ago

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December 8, 2025

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Land grabbing and crisis of fraudulent land sales may soon be a thing of the past as Rivers State begins experimenting the community land development committee system.

The experiment saw the light of day in Alesa Eleme where the Alesa Land Development Commiittee (ALDEC) was inaugurated last Friday by the paramount ruler of Alesa, Emperor J.D. Mkpe.

The Alesa community where the Port Harcourt refineries are situated has implemented the recommended formula with the strong support of the paramount ruler said to be a respected leader known for his commitment to peace, education, community development, and support for law enforcement, often advocating for better infrastructure and governance in his area.

 

Inaugurating the committee headed by a businessman, Mr. Emmanuel Olaka, the paramount ruler recounted the contributions of his community to economic development of the nation.

 

“Alesa is one of the 10 communities in Eleme and we are the first community in Nigeria that has refineries. The Port Harcourt Refinery (1&2) that has a lot of pipelines surrounding us. We have done a lot of contribution in making sure Nigeria stands great among all nations.

 

“We are made up of about 13 communities due to expansion. When I say 13 communities, Alesa is a community that has embraced other people. You can see here some people from the northern community. All the communities are here. That is why Alesa is known as a cosmopolitan community.

 

“Because we have got a lot of information about sale of land, and because we now have a situation whereby other persons will go into another person’s land and sell without the owner’s notice. We have also got information about minors who are not qualified to sell landed property, now selling land without letting their elders know.

 

“And that is why today, we are going to inaugurate a land development committee whose duty is to see into all these issues and bring up report about them. This will make both buyers and sellers feel very free in Alesa.

 

“We seize this opportunity to warn thus: if you sell any land to anybody without this committee’s knowledge or consent, you are doing it at your own risk. If you are buying any land from Alesa, this committee will know. By this, we will track those selling the land to you so that you don’t buy land from a wrong person. We also do not want you to buy land from an under-aged persons (children) who will sell land and run away.

 

According to him, we are also partnering with the Rivers State government on the project because those who buy land in Alesa with due process would be backed all the way to acquisition of certificate of occupancy (CofO).

 

“We are duly registered and we hereby show the world our certificate of registration and recognition. This is not a shabby arrangement. We have the registration and the authority which we have here as a body approved by the government to go into this development. This also is the registered constitution of the body.

 

 

“We will also make sure that whatever land you buy here, will be registered with the government of Rivers State through the office of the Surveyor-General and the Ministry of Land and that of Housing. This is to permanently stop land grabbers,

 

“We want you to buy and develop, not to keep for decades. Failure to develop your land after five years, the land will be forfeited to the government of Rivers State as a ‘waste land’ that you do not want to develop. So we are here not to maltreat any individual, we are not here to punish anyone, but to make sure your money is safe.

 

“We are optimistic that this strategy will work for us all. One of the greatest persons who has been able to identify with us is the Mayor of Housing. He has been friendly to us and to our aspirations.

 

Speaking immediately after the inauguration, the chairman of Alesa Land Development Committee, Mr. Emmanuel Olaka, vowed never to betray his community.

 

“I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the Alesa Council of Chiefs, the women, the youths, for nominating me to be the chairman of the Alesa Land Development Committee. I want to say this afternoon that I, Emmanuel Olaka, a bonafide son of Alaka, from Uwueke community, I will never disrespect this community. I will always do what is right, so that my God will always stand by me. I will not be biased.”

 

Also speaking, the Mayor of Housing, My-ACE China, who is behind the Alesa Sustainable Green Smart City, commended the community for leading the way and the war against land grabbing and land fraud.

 

He said the development would augur well for the green city being initiated in the area and other projects coming to Alesa.

 

He urged other communities in Rivers State and beyond to move fast and inaugurate such committees to put an end to land grabbing.

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