Education
Shun Unprofitable Habits, VC Charges Matriculating Students …As IAUE Admits 6,058 Freshers
The Acting Vice Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, has charged newly admitted students of the institution to ensure that they focus on the reason they were considered suitable to be part of the university community, and nothing else.
Giving the charge last Saturday during the 13th matriculation ceremony of the university, Onuchuku stated that beyond concentrating on their studies and shunning all vices, the students should know that gaining admission is just the beginning of their journey in the tertiary institution.
“You’re to shun all those unprofitable habits that have destroyed some of your predecessors, who abandoned their studies to follow the bright city lights, which inevitably led them to perdition and regret.
“You must shun cultism, examination malpractices, drug addiction, indecent dressing, prostitution and unnecessary travels that keep you away from the classroom, among other vices”, he said.
The VC also charged the new students to obey extant rules and regulations that govern the terms of their admission at all times, noting that defaulters will be duly dealt with.
While congratulating the students on their admission, he advised them not to be carried away by the euphoria therein, saying that it’s only the beginning for them on the road to moulding their lives for the better.
“While today should rightly bring you immense pride and a sense of personal fulfilment in your quest to acquire a university degree, I hasten to advise that you should not be conceited in any way.
“Today’s Matriculation Ceremony should rather serve as a platform for you to set achievable goals for yourselves, and not an excuse for you to stop working hard, beccause of the seminal success you have achieved by entering the university.
“Remember, this is just the beginning, and your parents will no longer be there to guide your steps”, he advised.
While thanking the State Governor, NyesomWike, for the deliberate attention given to the development of education in the institution, and others in the State, the VC also called on parents and guardians not to stop supporting their children and wards all through their stay in the institution.
“It is important that you continue to support them by promptly paying up all approved charges that would enable the university’s Management give the students the best education available here.
“You are also to uphold them in your prayers. In addition, parents are advised to closely monitor the academic and social activities of their wards to ensure that they are on the right track at all times”, he urged.
Meanwhile, the university admitted a total of 6,058 fresh students out of 14, 207 that applied for admission in the 2022 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
This, the VC said, is not only an increase in subscription rate by intending students, but also “a vote of confidence in the quality of education we offer her.
A breakdown of the admitted figure shows that of the seven Faculties in the university, “Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences” recorded the highest number of admissions with 1, 841 intakes.
By: Lady Godknows Ogbulu & Sogbeba Dokubo
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.