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Rivers Health College Now Mobilises For NYSC
The Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology, Rumueme, Port Harcourt, now mobilises its graduates for the one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.
The Provost of the college, Prof Franklin Nlerum, disclosed this during the matriculation of fresh students into various academic disciplines of the college.
He equally disclosed that the college now runs diploma and national diploma programmes, and admits students through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Addressing journalists in his office, the provost said, “Matriculation is a period when we officially enter students’ names into the college diaries. It’s an occasion for the students, their parents and the college to celebrate the beginning of another admission. We admitted 878 students that matriculated today. This is higher than the number we have ever enrolled in this institution. It’s an indication that the college is growing.”
Nlerum attributed the growth of the institution to the law enacted by the Rivers House of Assembly and accented to by the Rivers State governor.
“The law removed the college from the Ministry of Health to the Ministry of Education where all the higher instructions in Rivers State belong. The college now runs diploma and national diplomas, admits students through JAMB, and mobilises students for NYSC.
“We are doing well; the national board accredits all our courses for technical education. We were able to accredit all our expired programmes. The Rivers State Governor, Chief NyesomWike, offered financial assistance to achieve this feat. However, there are still areas that need to be covered”.
Nlerum charged the matriculating students to concentrate on their studies and key into the academic excellence the college offers.
“We have inculcated in them that in this college we do not have time to play around, and they have also keyed into it. What I am expecting from them is, having matriculated today, they should know it’s no more business as usual; they should concentrate on their studies. Very soon we are going in for our internal examinations. I encourage them to study and be ready for their examinations”.
Miss Sunday Faith Soraniabasi of the Department of Medical Imaging Technology and Mr Sunday Ledito Joseph of the Department of Dental Health Science matriculated that day.
Both affirmed commitment to their studies and to abide by the institution’s rules and regulations.
In a related development, the Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman of Orowo community Rumueme, the host community of the institution, Comrade AmadiThankGod, while responding to questions from journalists during the event, said the citing of the college in the community had attracted many fortunes to the community.
“As you can witness, the Orowo community chiefs and elders were invited by the college authority to witness the admission of the new students. Orowo community has benefited a lot from the school in admission, contracts, staff employment, etc. Any indigene of this community attending this school here is on scholarship. I can attest that more than 30 indigenes of this community are in different grades of employment in this college. In fact, we are having cordial relationship with the school authority.”
Amadi used the opportunity to call on the Rivers State Government to build more hostels and classrooms and rehabilitate the dilapidated ones.
“However, the college needs the attention of the Rivers State Government. As the number of students is increasing, infrastructure like hostel accommodation and classroom blocks are no longer insufficient. Most of the buildings are dilapidated, and the infrastructure is decaying. This is a college, not a secondary school. Even some secondary schools have more and better infrastructure than this. We appeal to the government to come to the aid of the college”.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene