Rivers
VC Commits To Positioning IAUE As Top Institution
Acting Vice Cahncellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Prof. Okechuku Onuchuku, says he is committed to positioning the institution among the best in Nigeria and Africa.
Making this disclosure at a media briefing as part of events to herald the university’s 39th and 40th convocation this weekend, he said achieving such feat would be the best way to appreciate the confidence reposed in him by the State Governor, Nyesom Wike.
“The best way I can repay His Excellency’s benevolence and confidence in me is to work very hard to position IAUE among the very best tertary institutions in Nigeria and Africa”, he said.
Towards fulfillment of this stance, the Professor of Economics narrated some outstanding achievements recorded since his assumption of office on November 18, 2021.
The first among the numerous achievements was to ensure a convenient and suitable studying environment for students, beginning with a review of undergraduate and graduate programs of the university to “bring them in tandem with what obtains in other Nigerian universities and in line with global best practice”.
Next was the establishment of “a full-fledged Faculty of Agriculture”, which brought the total number of Faculties in the university to seven.
“Nobody can underestimate the importance of a Faculty of Agriculture in a State where much of our food supply comes from outside.
“As a university, we have a duty to help change this unacceptable narrative within the shortest possible time. We are putting everything necessary in place for the emergent Faculty of Agriculture to admit its pioneer students”, he stated.
The IAUE boss also instituted a review of non-statutory charges and school fees paid by all categories of students, and initiating payment of school fees in two instalments to “reflect the realities of the prevailing economic situation”, and ensured that 21 programmes of the institution get five years full accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Other achievements include: provision of classroom furniture, reactivation broken-down electricity generating sets and restoration of damaged power lines at the Ndele campus, while also commencing monthly fumigation of classrooms, offices, and residential areas in the three campuses.
To secure the university’s land from further encroachment, he rebuilt damaged fences at Rumuolumeni and Ndele campuses, expanded the estate department and provided more facilities for work, and renovated students’ hostels at the main campus.
Offices were furnished with necessary equipment to make the workplace comfortable for more efficient service, three standard kitchens were built where students could prepare their meals to discourage cooking in the hostels and eating sub-standard food prepared by vendors, and investing more in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to boost the exploration of opportunities in the growing digital economy by staff and students.
This, he said, will “make the high-impact research papers of lecturers in the university globally accessible”, and also “bridge the digital divide between the university and the rest of the world, by enhancing the institution’s visibility, ranking, and competitiveness in this age of knowledge globalisation”.
A total of 3,796 graduates would be admitted into postgraduate degrees, while 3,751 would b be awarded degrees at the undergraduate level.
The award of First Degrees and prizes will hold today, while admission of candidates into various categories of Higher Degrees will hold tomorrow, both at the University’s Auditorium.
By: Sogbeba Dokubo
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has charged youths across the nine states of the commission to be ambassadors of peace building initiatives .
This move is to sustain the existing peace to propel development across the region.
The NDDC managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr Samuel Ogbuku,gave the directive while declaring open a capacity building program for Niger Delta stakeholders on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and inclusive peace for sustainable development organised by the department of dispute and conflict resolution ( DCR) of the commission held in port Harcourt, Tuesday.
The program which is part of activities to mark the silver jubilee celebration of the birth of the commission has the theme: fostering lasting peace through ADR : lessons from the past, building future opportunities to advance the renewed hope agenda.
The NDDC managing Director/chief executive officer represented by his chief of staff,Rev Omeya Oworibo advised the youths of Niger Delta region to be vanguards of peace and avoid actions that could jeopardize the existing peace achieved in the region.
He emphasised that sustainable development can only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace devoid of rancour and acrimony, stressing that as critical stakeholders in the region, they are to seen themselves as agents of development and to build frontiers with the commission to advance the developmental needs of the people of Niger Delta region.
He averred that the various developmental achieved by the commission was associated to the prevailing peace and stability noticed in the region.
He opined that the essence of the workshop is to brainstorm with the various stakeholders in the region ,especially the youths, on how best to ensure that the existing peace in region is sustained and how we can best manage ourselves without being confrontational.
According to him,the commission is open for positive and constructive engagement , adding that dialogue and meditation remains the key to finding a lasting peace in the society.
” I am excited on the level of people in this workshop and our core mandate is how to build and sustain the existing peace in the region.How do we keep and maintain this peace already achieved.”he stated.
The NDDC managing Director and chief executive officer urged them to carry the message of peace and stability to their various communities and villages so as to assist the commission achieve it’s core mandate of development in the Region.
Earlier in his welcome of address, the acting director, Dispute & Conflict Resolution (DCR),Ogedegbe Ayewumi Godwin(Esq), said the gathering is with shared commitment to harness the power of alternative dispute resolution ( ADR)as a critical instrument for sustaining peace, unlocking development and advancing the renewed Hope Agenda across the Niger Delta and beyond.
He stated that we stand at a consequential moment in our national journey, noting that the theme for the workshop “fostering lasting peace through ADR: lessons from the past, Building future opportunities to advance the renewed Hope Agenda”calls us to reflect deeply on what has worked, what must be reinforced and how we can leverage ADR to translate policy intentions into tangible, peaceful, and prosperous outcome for communities that have borne the brunt of conflict for too long.
Akujobi Amadi
The Chief Judge of Rivers state, justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi has charged neutral arbitrators participating in the median edition of the first free settlement Alternative Dispute Resolution initiative organised by the state multi _Door Courthouse to be neutral and unbiased in adjudicating cases brought before them for determination.
Justice Amadi stated this while declaring open a one _week free settlement initiative program held at the chief judge ceremonial court complex held on Monday,in port Harcourt.
The state chief judge represented on the event by justice I.R.Minakiri said the essence of the initiative is to provide faster and lesser means of conflict resolution in the state.
According to him,ADR is the oldest practice in dispute resolution as its foundation is traceable to the bible ,using the moses model of dispute resolution and settlement approach,noting that conflicts can not be ruled out in human activities
He urged them to be intentional and have clear vision on cases brought before them and avoid ethnic and cultural colouration while discharging their sacred responsibility, nothing that those involved in peace making are regarded as true sons of God as recorded in the scripture.
The number one judiciary worker in the state use the opportunity to thank the neutrals for responding to call of duty and dispensing justice free of charge, noting that there huge contributions to peace building and conflict resolution in the state can not be overemphasized.
“You must be open minded and avoid being stereotype so that you can have a clear vision on the cases brought before you”
Earlier in his welcome address,the director, State multi _Door Court House, (RSMDC),victor Nweke,Esq said the
one-week free settlement initiative through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) was part of efforts to ease congestion in conventional courts.
Nweke encouraged the public to utilize the platform, particularly for commercial and family-related disputes and explained that the law establishing the institution empowers it to undertake such functions, adding that cases not concluded within the free settlement week would still be finalized under the same privilege.
He posisted that the hallmark of the conduct of the session is the neutrality and confidentiality and commended the arbitrators for the volunteering there time to dispense free justice and intermediate in conflict resolution in the state free of charge
The Vice Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) Professor Okechukwu Onuchukwu, has revealed valuable insights on how scholars can thrive in an Artificial Intelligence ( AI) in the Country .
Speaking at the 40th Conference of English Scholars Association of Nigeria ( ESAN) in conjunction with the English and Literary Studies tagged “Advancing the Frontiers of Digital Humanities Research In English and Literary Studies” with the theme – Teaching English and Literary Studies In Nigeria Tertiary Institutions In The Era of AI. Prof Onuchukwu said the theme of the conference provides a roadmap for navigating the challenges as well as opportunities being presented by Artificial Intelligence.
The VC who was represented by the Director, Quality Assurance, Prof Levi Kalagbor hinted that the conference shouldn’t end at identifying social ,academic problems facing humanity but proffer solutions to better human existence.
Prof Onuchukwu insisted that Artificial Intelligence should be followed with the aim of averting problems for human race .
He noted that collaboration among the pillars of the Institution will be extended to research, teaching and community service, stressing that the essence of it cannot be over- emphasised.
According to him, the core values of the Institution anchored on excellence ,integrity and service will also not to be compromised.
“I encourage the organisers to embrace AI and use it for the advancement of humanity.
English scholars should implore AI tools that can enhance research, teaching and learning process, such as AI- driven content generation”, he said.
In his remarks, the President English Scholars Association of Nigeria(ESAN) Prof. Tajudeen Surakat stressed the importance of training and re- training of English scholars for greater contribution towards educational advancement of the society.
The ESAN President said it was part of their responsibilities by engaging in academic exercise as to become more prepared to impact knowledge on humanity.
In her speech the Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee ( LOC) of the conference Prof Ibiere Ken- Maduako said the theme of this year’ s conference is apt considering the role AI is playing in the society.
Prof Maduako, Dean Faculty of Humanities, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education called on participants to use the opportunity to contribute towards the enhancement of knowledge .
” As I speak members of my faculty and the Institution are happy for the successful hosting of the conference. It was made possible based on support the VC, staff and students had given.
Highlights of the event includes ; induction of new members
Presentation of papers by scholars from different higher institutions in Nigeria , revealing benefits of AI.
” I am optimistic that the conference will achieve its set goals. Students are expected to participate actively as to gain more academic skills” She stated.