News
Universities Key To National Development -HOS …Commends Wike’s Funding Of Higher Education
Head of Service Rivers State, Barrister Rufus Godwins, has identified universities as key to national planning and development.
Godwins made this remark while delivering a lecture at the 39th and 40th convocation of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education(IAUE) on, “Nigerian Universities and the Challenges of National Development”, Tuesday in Port Harcourt.
He said the failure of government to in academics in the national planning scheme gave birth to the failure of those development blueprints.
He said that even with the current ninth development plan, the making and implementation of the plan has been wobbly, as academics were sidelined in the process.
He warned that the country would not move forward if it continues to emasculate the intelligentsia and eggheads in the planning of policies and programmes.
In his words, “no nation can be greater than its universities, or human resource produced by the universities.
Godwins blamed the military government for the brain drain, poor welfare and funding bedeviling the nation-ivory towers coupled with the deliberate posture of previous administrations relegate education to the background.
While commending Nigerian universities for producing world class products like Prof Soyinka, Chike Obi, Chinua Achebe, Kunle Olotokun, and Prof. Omowunmi Sadik, he stressed that universities should be given autonomy such that they can play the vital role of boosting knowledge and research.
Godwins also recommended the inclusion of universities as major stakeholders with advisory and implementation responsibilities as a way to drive policy formulation and national development.
He pointed out that the Nyesom Wike administration in the state has given adequate attention and funding to tertiary institutions, hence the reason why university lecturers are not on strike and there is smooth academic activities.
On his part, Acting Vice Chancellor of IAUE, Prof Okechukwu Onuchuku, said the lecture was apt at a time the country is in dire need of economic rejuvenation.
Onuchuku emphasized that the country’s greatness can only be utilized when intellectuals are involved in the making of policies and programmes.
The acting vice chancellor maintained that research and knowledge are strong ingredients to move the nation forward.
By: Kevin Nengia
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
-
Politics3 days agoAPC PRIMARIES: FUBARA’S WITHDRAWAL, HISTORIC SACRIFICE FOR NATIONAL STABILITY ……. GROUP
-
News3 days agoCourt Sentences Seven To Death Over Murder Of Cleric In Rivers
-
News12 hours ago
Obuah’s Victory Excites Former Lawmaker as APC Primaries Conclude in Rivers West
-
News14 hours ago
105 Nigerians Killed In S/Africa In Seven Years
-
Sports3 days agoPH Arsenal Community Set For Streets Procession, Saturday
-
Politics3 days agoIPAC Flays INEC Over Election Guidelines Judgement
-
Politics3 days agoNDC To Adopt Electronic Voting For Future Primaries
-
Politics3 days agoOtu Vows To Recall Indolent, Arrogant Cross River Legislators