Rivers

Don Lauds Wike Over Education Prioritisation

Published

3 years ago

December 2, 2022

A university Don, Professor Femi Okiremuette Shaka, has applauded the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, for making the education sector top in his list of priorities.
Professor Shaka gave the applause recently while presenting a paper titled “Examination Malpractices in Nigerian Universities” at a workshop organised by the Examination and Time Table Committee at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education Auditorium.
The Professor of Film Studies also commended the Governor for the provision of equipment needed to facilitate the teaching and learning process, as well as for prompt and regular payment of salaries of staff of IAUE.
He disclosed that lecturers in other Universities have died as a result of hardship occasioned by non-payment of salaries for months and enjoined IAUE lecturers to appreciate the Governor’s love for the education sector.
Shaka described the theme of the workshop, “Modalities in Examination Writing, Conducts and Invigilation in Nigerian Universities”, as apt, timely and topical and identified perversion of the social value system of the country as one of the factors influencing examination malpractice.
He expressed dismay that corruption has led to so much perversion of the social value system that Nigerian youths no longer believe in the ethics of hard-work.
The Guest Lecturer included much emphasis on paper qualifications in the Nigerian labour market as another factor, hinting that in Europe and North America, employers are concerned about the value chain that an employee brings to the establishment or firm.
Employers in these countries, he said, “are interested in the portfolios of employees in terms of what they have done in the past or capable of contributing to the vision of the establishment or firm.”
The Varsity Don expressed regret that employment in Nigeria is based on social connection or on godfatherism, noting that “since value systems are upside down in Nigeria, most youths in tertiary institutions have imbibed the corrupt attitude of passing their courses by any means necessary”.
According to Shaka, “any country that has a high prevalence of examination malpractice stands to lose its international credibility as certificates emanating from such a country would be treated with suspicion and doubt”.
He said the spate of malpractices in the health sector and miscarriages of justice by the Judiciary, mindless looting of the public treasury, electoral fraud, regular collapse of buildings designed by engineers and architects, sale of fake drugs by pharmacists all have their roots in an educational system bedeviled by examination malpractice.
While highlighting the implications of examination malpractice, that are overwhelming with grave consequences, the lecturer from the University of Port Harcourt reiterated that the trend will not only make a mockery of educational qualifications and discredit institutions of higher learning in Nigeria, “but the ripple effect would be that the future development of the country would be placed in the hands of half-baked and incompetent graduates”.
He stressed the need to embark on a moral and ethical reorientation in order to stem the tide of moral decay in the Nigerian University system to bring credibility to the system.
This, he argued, can be achieved with the establishment of a Directorate for moral orientation that would draw up ethical codes of behaviour for staff and students with sanctions for the violation of the ethical codes well spelt out with appropriate penalties.
Prof. Shaka also recommended setting up of a platform for regular interactions between the University Management, parents and guardians of students to update parents of the progress reports on their children.

Rivers

Eld Ogbu Bags Adventists Men Award…Pledge For Humanitarian Service

Published

4 days ago

November 3, 2025

The Tide

A former supervisory councillor for Health in Etche local government of Rivers state, Eld Chimezie Ogbu has been honoured with an excellent service Award by the Adventist men Organisation (AMO), Port Harcourt west mission.

Eld Chimezie Ogbu, received the award for alongside fifteen others for his contributions and support to the association and uplifting humanity.

Elder Chimezie Ogbu left receiving the Rivers west mission AMO Excellent Service Award from the former AMO Director and the former General manager, RSNC, Eld Vincent Ake during the extra ordinary meeting of AMO held at Rumuolumini, Sunday.

Speaking during an extra ordinary and end of year meeting, the Director of Adventist men Organisation, Port Harcourt west mission, Dr Sam Emejuru said the award was in recognition to Hon Ogbu’s contributions and support to the association, noting that Eld Chimezie Ogbu have been one of the sponsors of the Association in the mission.

Dr Emejuru who was a fomer chairman of the state secondary school Board noted invaluable contributions of the recipients to the association and the church at large and urged them to continue to be generous in the development of church and humanity.

In an interview with the tide, Hon Chimezie Ogbu, a serving elder in the seventh-day adventist church, Rumuolumeni District expressed appreciation to the Association, adding that the award will encourage him to do more

He highlighted the importance of investing in God’s vineyard and to help humanity and dedicated the award to God Almighty and members of his family.

Rivers

Rivers Landlords Petitions IG Over Alleged Move to Demolish Their Estate

Published

4 days ago

November 3, 2025

The Tide

Members of landlords of Ceenamore and Iroko Drives in Cedarwood Estate, Rumuaholu, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, have urged the Inspector General of Police and the State Police Commissioner, CP Olungbenga Adepoju, to urgently act on the petition they sent to him regarding the alleged move by the Managing Director of Niger Delta Technology & property development Ltd, Engr. Stephen Nyegwa, to demolish their estate.

The group alleged that the MD of Niger Delta Logistics Limited had purportedly, through a court judgment notice, claimed that he had gotten an order to demolish the estate.

Speaking to journalists at the estate, Mr. Manuabuchi Elem Chioma, one of the affected landlords, said the call becomes very imperative following the continued harassment by Mr. Nyegwa and his associates, noting that they woke up and discovered that their houses have been marked for demolition.

Also speaking, Barrister Victor Okezie urged the police to act swiftly to save landlords of the estate from the impending problem, stressing that they are ready to comply if there is a confirmed valid court judgment.

Rivers

NLNG, NCDMB Launch ICT Hub To Boost Tech Skills In Nigeria

Published

4 days ago

November 3, 2025

The Tide

Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) have inaugurated an ultra-modern, specialised Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for youth empowerment in innovations.
The fully equipped ICT centre, located at Baptist High School in the city, was inaugurated as part of the close-out ceremony for the Human Capital Development Basic Training Programme.
Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Mr. Felix Ogbe, stated this in a statement issued on Friday by the Manager of Corporate Communication and Public Affairs at NLNG, Mrs. Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku.
He described the ICT centre as a gateway to knowledge and innovation, as well as a window to future opportunities.
Represented by the organisation’s General Manager of Institutional Strengthening, Mr. Olugbenga Sheba, Ogbe explained that the project was designed to equip young Nigerians with digital skills to prepare them for a technology-driven world.
“The remodelled ICT centre is more than a building. It is a statement of belief that students here can learn coding, design, and innovation that connects them with the wider world.
“It represents our confidence that when given the right tools, Nigerian students can become creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs”, he said.
Ogbe commended NLNG for its continued collaboration with the NCDMB and its steadfast commitment to advancing Nigerian Content objectives.
He added that the partnership demonstrated what could be achieved through meaningful collaboration between government and corporate stakeholders, noting that such investments would help build a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.
NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Dr. Sophia Horsfall, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to compliance with Nigerian Content regulations and its dedication to improving lives sustainably.
She emphasised that NLNG was passionate about enhancing human capital development and promoting technological inclusion, both of which were aimed at improving employability and industry-relevant skills among young Nigerians.
According to Horsfall, the project aligns with NLNG’s vision of empowering communities through education and technology.
“The upgraded ICT centre, which complies with existing NCDMB regulations, is an investment that provides students with a modern learning environment and equips teachers with improved tools to deliver quality education”, she said.
The Tide reports that the ICT centre has been upgraded to a 40-seater facility and equipped with 20KVA solar and inverter system.
The facility also includes renovated classrooms and administrative buildings, as well as digital smart boards and modern learning tools.
Meanwhile, Palmer-Ikuku, in the statement, announced the graduation of 30 trainees under the Human Capital Development Basic Training Programme jointly organised by both organisations.
She stated that the trainees earned international certifications after completing rigorous training in Engineering, Marine Operations, Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), and Entrepreneurship, among other disciplines.
According to Palmer-Ikuku, the training underscores the shared mission of NLNG and NCDMB to build local capacity, promote technological inclusion, and support Nigeria’s broader vision of sustainable development through education and skill acquisition.