Education
Bayelsa Education Trust Fund Equips 12 Schools With Bayelsa Education Trust Fund Equips 12 Schools With Computers, Kits For Coding And Robotics
The Bayelsa Educational Development Trust Fund (EDTF), has distributed computers and accessories for coding and robotic practicals to 12 model schools across the eight local government areas in Bayelsa State.
Dr Gentle Emelah, Commissioner for Education in Bayelsa, who presented the items to the benefitting school principals last Wednesday in Yenagoa, reiterated the state government commitment to providing quality education in all parts of the state.
He said the presentation of the materials followed an earlier training of 103 students on computer programming and robotics, adding that the equipment would provide an opportunity for students to have practical training.
He urged the principals to make the computers and materials available to Information and Communications Technology (ICT) teachers who had been trained earlier on coding and robotics.
The Tide source reports that the occasion also witnessed the grand finale of Schools Debate, sponsored by EDTF for 32 schools from the eight council areas in Bayelsa.
Speaking earlier, Executive Secretary of EDTF, Dr Alice Atuwo, said the fund is intervening in critical segments of the educational sector, including support for schools debate.
She noted that schools debate helped to develop public speaking and communications skills amongst young students in their quest for knowledge.
She said that debate builds self-confidence of participating students, adding that most world leaders developed public speaking skills through school debates.
Prof Francis Ikoki, Acting Chairman of EDTF, advised the students to maximise the opportunity to develop their public speaking skills which they would find useful later in life.
Also, Chief Fidelis Agbiki, Regent of Tarakiri clan in Bayelsa, said that he is a product of school debate and got a scholarship from late Gov. Sam Ogbemudia of the old Bendel State for his outstanding performance in debate over 40 years ago.
Government Comprehensive Secondary School Tumgbo, Sagbama Local Government Area (LGA), won the first prize of N100,000 and a trophy while Community Secondary School Ekeremor in Ekeremor LGA, clinched the second prize of N70,000 and a trophy.
Bayelsa State Sports Academy, Asuama, in Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA, finished third and got a prize of N40,000 and a trophy while Government Model Secondary School Twon-Brass in Brass LGA came fourth and got a prize of N30,000 and a trophy.
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.