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NUC Ranks PUMS 19th Best Private Varsity …As Abubakar, Wike Bag Doctorate Degrees

Published

4 years ago

December 20, 2021

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has rated PAMO University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Port Harcourt currently the 19th best private university in the country.
This is even as the former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar and Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, have been conferred with honorary doctorate degrees by PAMO University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Port Harcourt.
The Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, who delivered the convocation lecture on the theme: “Higher Education: Private Universities and National Development” at the first convocation ceremony of the university, at Iriebe, near Port Harcourt, said private universities have continued to play a vital role in the national development of Nigeria.
According to Rasheed, PAMO is also the 35th best university out of 200 in the country.
He said the university, which has full accreditation from the commission, was also rated number one in female student enrolment index.
Rasheed, who spoke said the NUC was happy with the growth and development of PAMO University of Medical Sciences.
He said graduands would play active role in shaping the future of Nigeria.
The NUC executive secretary also described as false insinuations in some quarters that the proliferation of private universities has lowered the standard of education in the country, arguing that among top 10 universities in Nigeria, six were private universities.
Rasheed, who added that among 100 top universities in the country, 45 were private universities, commended the management of PUMS for their achievements within the last four years.
In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor of the university and Chairman, Governing Council, Dr. Peter Odili, described PUMS as God’s gift to humanity.
Speaking at the convocation ceremony, Odili also said the university has zero tolerance for all forms of vices.
According to him, “As a Governing Council, we have focused on the upholding of the vision, mission and core values and rules of the institution, by unapologetically insisting on total compliance to the rules and sanctions for any breaches by all staff and students. We believe that discipline is the key that will help make our graduates make the difference wherever they find themselves in the larger society”.
Odili, who was the former governor of Rivers State, described as unprecedented the support of Governor Nyesom Wike for Rivers students in the university, adding that Wike was the only governor in Nigeria who has given more support to medical students than any other.
He also charged the graduands to uphold the values which they have imbibed in the university, and apply them in their daily life outside the campus.
Also speaking, the Chancellor of the university and Chairman, Board of Trustees, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.) said the university, which was only four years old, has recorded tremendous achievements.
He said that PUMS was a university that has from its very beginning been setting records and blazing the trail among private universities in the country.
“From the planning stage of its establishment, licensing, commencement of academic programmes, through to exceptional performance in accreditation and professional examinations, collaboration and synergy with the state government and host community, and now, to the graduation of her first set of students, there are lessons for all. The success of PUMS is a reflection of what can be achieved when a committed, purposeful and visionary leadership is in charge of a process”, he said.
Earlier in his convocation address, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Michael Diejomaoh, said all courses in the Faculties of Basic Medical Sciences, and Allied Health Sciences have been fully accredited by the NUC with very high scores.
He said the institution also recently hosted a resource verification visit from Radiographer’s Registration Board of Nigeria; the regulatory bodies of Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, and Medical Laboratory Council of Nigeria have accredited the university’s allied health sciences courses, while the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria has also accredited the Pre-Clinical Basic Medical Science courses.
He said the institution has seen rapid infrastructural development, adding that the next phase of development would include the establishment of the Faculties of Dentistry and Pharmacy, other courses as well as Post Graduate Studies in all academic areas.
Diejomaoh announced that the university graduated 21 students from the Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry, Pharmacology and Physiology.
A total of 21 students graduated from the ceremony with one First Class, seven with Second Class Upper Division, 11 in Second Class Lower Divisions, and three with Third Class Honours.
Meanwhile, the former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar and Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike have been conferred with honorary doctorate degrees by PAMO University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Port Harcourt.
Abubakar was conferred with Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) Honoris Causa, while Wike bagged honorary degree of Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) Honoris Causa.
The awardees were, last Saturday, conferred with the honorary doctorate degrees during the first PUMS convocation ceremony in Port Harcourt, for their distinct contributions to the development, peace, democracy and general good of Nigeria.
While receiving the award, Abubakar commended Wike’s administration for offering scholarship to students of Rivers extraction studying in PAMO University.
According to him, the governor’s unrivalled contribution to the development of the university would forever be in the annals of her history.
The former Head of State noted that the success of PUMS was a demonstration of what can be achieved when state governments come in to support the provision of private education in their respective states.
He urged the Federal Government to extend similar support to private universities through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and other agencies of government through the various initiatives currently being enjoyed only by public institutions.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Nyesom Wike said the government and people of Rivers State were delighted with the establishment of PUMS, and the vast opportunities it has availed youths in the state to become highly educated and skillful medical professionals and practitioners.
He said the state government has university from its inception to date, by identifying with and contributing materially to its steady growth and progress.
“Back in 2017, we instituted a special public scholarship, covering tuition, accommodation and feeding to encourage our indigenous students to take advantage of the university and become graduates and professionals of the areas of interest.
“We have religiously implemented this scholarship programme for four consecutive years with almost 600 beneficiaries as at the last academic session.
“Today, I am very pleased to note that all the graduating students of Rivers State origin are scholars of the Rivers State Government educated and trained with public funds.
“In addition to the scholarship, which now costs well over N2.9billion to implement annually, we have also made several generous financial donations towards the infrastructural development of the university.”
He commended the former Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili, for establishing the first and only private medical university in the entire South-South geo-political region of Nigeria.
The governor, who attributed his success in life to faith in God and education, said his political life, just like that of Odili, has been a lesson in devotion, hard work and passion for success and service.
He narrated how his predecessor and current Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, under whose administration he served as Chief of Staff, tried to truncate his political career.
“But midway into his first tenure, I got the signal early enough that I have become a foe, and pencilled down to be politically brought down, extinguished or terminated.”
Wike explained that although his predecessor had reluctantly included his name among those he nominated to former President Goodluck Jonathan to be appointed as minister, he was never his first or preferred choice.
“He, therefore, worked twice as hard behind the scene to truncate my confirmation by the Nigerian Senate but failed because God said otherwise.
“Moving further forward, and when he noticed my ambition to succeed him as the governor of Rivers State; he immediately drew the battle line, and vowed that I could only succeed him over his dead body.
“Our contest was as intense and jugular as typical political enemies. Ultimately, I won and prevailed over him; but he acted the coward by refusing to commit the suicide he had promised if I became the governor of Rivers State. Thank God he chickened out and did not die.”
Wike announced an N500million grant to PAMO University; a post-graduate scholarship to the overall best graduating student, and N5million reward for each of the best departmental graduating students.

By: John Bibor

Featured

Fubara Reaffirms Commitment To Peace, Development

Published

1 day ago

May 29, 2026

The Tide

Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of his administration to peace, unity, security, and inclusive development as Rivers State marked its 59th anniversary, last Wednesday.

In a goodwill message issued on Wednesday to commemorate the anniversary, Governor Fubara stated that despite the challenges faced over the years, the people of Rivers State have continued to demonstrate resilience, strength, and an enduring spirit of unity that has sustained the state since its creation.

The Governor noted that the strong bond of brotherhood among the various ethnic nationalities of the state, including the Ijaw, Ikwerre, Ogoni, Etche, Ekpeye, Andoni, Kalabari, and others, remains one of Rivers State’s greatest strengths and a critical foundation for peace, stability, and progress.

He further observed that Rivers State has remained a major driver of Nigeria’s economy for decades, not only because of its abundant oil and gas resources, but also because of the exceptional contributions of its people across diverse sectors including academia, jurisprudence, business, entertainment, public service, and sports.

Governor Fubara assured the people that his administration will continue to prioritize policies and programmes that promote peace, protect lives and property, and expand development across all parts of the state. He emphasized that governance must be people centered and impactful, with equal attention given to every Local Government Area of the state.

The Governor also paid tribute to the elders and founding leaders of the state for preserving the spirit of unity and coexistence over the years, while urging the youths to remain hopeful, responsible, and actively committed to building a greater Rivers State through innovation, hard work, and patriotism.

He equally acknowledged the invaluable role of women in strengthening families, communities, and society, describing them as indispensable partners in the continued growth and stability of the state.

Governor Fubara called on all Rivers people to use the occasion of the anniversary as a moment of reflection and renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, dialogue, and collective progress, stressing that the unity and future of Rivers State must always rise above personal interests and political differences.

Rivers State was created on May 27, 1967, by General Yakubu Gowon.

Editorial

Nigeria’s 27 Years of Civil Rule Journey

Published

1 day ago

May 29, 2026

The Tide

Nigeria returned to civil rule on May 29, 1999, after several years of military intervention in politics. The transition marked a major turning point in the nation’s history and raised hopes for freedom, stability, economic growth and accountable leadership. Citizens expected that elected governments would strengthen institutions, improve living conditions and unite the country after years of authoritarian rule. Twenty-seven years later, civil rule has survived without interruption, making it the longest uninterrupted civilian administration since independence in 1960.

Since 1999, Nigeria has witnessed six administrations at the federal level. Olusegun Obasanjo governed from 1999 to 2007, followed by Umaru Musa Yar’Adua from 2007 until his death in 2010. Goodluck Jonathan served from 2010 to 2015, while Muhammadu Buhari led the country between 2015 and 2023. Since May 2023, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been in office. Though democracy has remained stable, governance outcomes have produced mixed reactions among Nigerians.

The country has made some notable progress over the past 27 years. Democratic institutions such as the National Assembly, judiciary, political parties and the media have become stronger than they were during military rule. Elections are now regular, though still imperfect. Telecommunications, banking, entertainment and digital technology have expanded greatly. Nigerian youths have also become more politically aware and active. The country’s economy, despite its difficulties, remains one of the largest in Africa.

However, many of the expectations that came with democracy remain unmet. Corruption, unemployment, poverty, insecurity and poor infrastructure continue to trouble the nation. Public confidence in government institutions has weakened over time because many citizens believe political leaders have not done enough to improve their welfare. Ethnic and religious tensions also remain major challenges. While democracy has endured, good governance has not always matched the hopes of the people.

President Tinubu’s administration began with bold economic decisions aimed at reforming the nation’s finances. His government removed fuel subsidy and unified the foreign exchange system. Supporters argue that these measures were necessary to reduce waste and attract investment. The government also increased revenue allocation to states and sought to improve tax administration. Yet the immediate impact has been severe hardship for millions of Nigerians. Inflation, high transport costs and the falling value of the naira have placed enormous pressure on households and businesses.

In education, the Tinubu administration has promised reforms through student loan schemes, support for technical education and efforts to reduce strikes in tertiary institutions. Some progress has been recorded with the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund. However, public schools still face poor funding, inadequate facilities and shortage of teachers. Many students continue to struggle with rising school fees and declining quality of education.

The health sector under the current administration has also recorded both efforts and challenges. Government has pledged to improve health insurance coverage. Nevertheless, hospitals across the country still suffer from inadequate equipment, shortage of medical personnel and brain drain as doctors and nurses continue to leave Nigeria for better opportunities abroad. Access to affordable healthcare remains difficult for many rural communities.

The power sector remains one of Nigeria’s biggest disappointments after nearly three decades of democracy. Despite repeated promises and reforms, electricity supply is still unstable. Businesses and households spend heavily on generators and fuel. The Tinubu administration has introduced policies aimed at decentralising power generation and encouraging investment, but ordinary Nigerians are yet to feel significant improvement in electricity supply.

The rising cost of living has become the greatest concern for many Nigerians today. Food prices, transportation costs and rent have increased sharply. Though the Federal Government introduced palliative programmes and cash transfer initiatives to cushion the effects of reforms, many citizens believe the interventions have been inadequate or poorly distributed. There is growing demand for more effective social protection programmes targeted at vulnerable citizens.

On national security, the government continues to battle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence. Security agencies have recorded some successes in parts of the country, yet insecurity remains widespread. Farmers in many rural communities still face attacks, affecting food production and increasing fear among citizens. Regional stability in West Africa has also become more uncertain due to political crises in neighbouring countries. Nigeria continues to play a leading diplomatic role in the region, but internal security challenges weaken its influence.

In infrastructure and other key sectors, the Tinubu administration has continued several road, rail and housing projects inherited from previous governments. Investments in ports, gas and digital technology have also been encouraged. In agriculture, government has promoted mechanised farming, dry season cultivation and access to credit. Yet food insecurity remains high because insecurity, inflation and poor rural infrastructure continue to affect agricultural productivity. Nigeria still imports many food items despite its vast agricultural potential.

To improve national conditions, the Federal Government must place greater attention on job creation, industrialisation and support for small businesses. More investment is needed in agriculture, healthcare, education and electricity. Anti-corruption institutions should be strengthened while government spending must become more transparent. Leaders must also prioritise national unity and reduce political divisions. Nigerians expect reforms that produce visible improvements in their daily lives, not only policy announcements.

In Rivers State, the 27 years of civilian rule have produced substantial development alongside political tensions. The state has remained economically important because of its oil and gas resources. Different administrations since 1999 have invested in roads, schools, healthcare facilities and urban renewal projects. However, political conflicts and struggles for power have often affected governance and slowed development in parts of the state.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara assumed office in May 2023 amid high expectations and intense political disagreements. In infrastructure, his administration has initiated projects such as massive road construction, bridge rehabilitation and urban development schemes in parts of the state. Ongoing works on major roads and public facilities have been presented as efforts to improve transportation and economic activities. Critics, however, argue that political instability in the state has distracted government’s attention from faster project delivery.

In education and health, the Rivers State Government has continued support for public schools and healthcare centres. Efforts have reportedly been made to improve learning environments and sustain payment of workers’ salaries. In health, there have been interventions in hospitals and primary healthcare services. On security, the administration has worked with security agencies to maintain peace, although political tensions in the state have created uncertainty. In the civil service, workers and pensioners have largely continued to receive salaries, stipends, and welfare support. The state government has also shown interest in agriculture and power development, though these sectors still require stronger investment and clearer long term strategies.

Going forward, Rivers State needs greater political stability to achieve meaningful development. The government should focus more on rural roads, youth employment, agricultural expansion and uninterrupted healthcare services. Investments in independent power projects and industrial development would help attract businesses and reduce unemployment. Above all, political leaders in the state must place the interest of the people above personal or factional battles. Democracy can only succeed when governance delivers peace, development, and hope to ordinary citizens.

Featured

WASSCE: RSG Distributes Science Materials To Secondary Schools

Published

2 weeks ago

May 13, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Government has distributed science equipment and materials to all senior secondary schools across the state to support students during the ongoing West African Examinations Council exams and to strengthen practical learning.

Flagging off the distribution at the Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board premises in Port Harcourt, on Monday, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, said the move demonstrates Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s commitment to improving education standards in the State.

Nwagor said the materials were approved and provided by the state government specifically to boost the teaching and learning of science subjects, describing science education as the foundation for technological advancement, innovation, and national development.

“No society can compete globally without deliberate investment in science and technology,” the Commissioner stated.

He commended the governor for consistently prioritising the education sector by providing tools needed for effective teaching and hands-on learning.

The Commissioner directed principals to ensure that the equipment are used strictly for practical lessons in their schools, warning that any principal or administrator found diverting, hoarding, or selling the materials wil face disciplinary action under public service regulations.

Nwagor also warned against examination malpractice, saying any principal found aiding or encouraging malpractices will be decisively sanctioned.

“We must collectively restore the dignity and credibility of our educational system,” he said.

Also speaking, Chairman, Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board, Tony Egwurugwu, urged school heads to make judicious use of the materials for students’ benefit.

He thanked the State Government for providing the resources, and assured that monitoring mechanisms would be put in place to ensure the materials serve their intended purpose.

In his own remarks, a Board Member for Technical Education, Nwisabari Bani Samuel, expressed appreciation to the governor for prioritising education and acknowledged the Commissioner’s role in advancing education development in the State.

He said the distribution covers all senior secondary schools in the State and is intended to improve students’ performance in both internal and external science examinations.

Akujobi Amadi