Education
‘Many Valuers Not Conversant With Methods Of Environmental Valuations’
A Professor of Environmental Valuation and Land Administration has stated that many valuers are not very conversant with methods of environmental valuations.
Speaking during the 92nd Inaugural Lecture with the theme: “ Black Swan Events In Wetlands Ecosystems: The Inadequacy Of Monetary Compensations’, of the Rivers State University (RSU), held in Port Harcourt, the Inaugural Lecturer, Professor Victor Akujuru, stressed that they rather adopt valuation methods more suitable for other purposes instead of adopting the appropriate valuation methods.
Akujuru explained that the inadequacy is compounded by the absence of workable framework for responding to the occurrence of oil spills when they occur and being used by the statutory authority charged with the responsibility of superintending the environment.
He further explained that the absence of any effective environmental management policy to ensure quick response to the occurrence of black Swan Events.
He stressed on the policy implications for developing economies like that of Nigeria to include the following: Where the government compromises it’s regulatory role and becomes dependent on only one sector of the economy for it’s revenues, the citizens will suffer as they are unable to insist on the application of free market international best practices in the operations of the dominant industry.
The Professor noted that the framework proposed will enable the operators of the oil industry to follow a laid down protocol in responding to oil spill contamination as they will be able to visualiser the various processes involved.
Akujuru added that it also result in the adoption of market determined valuation methods that will yeild better values to the landowners.
Prof Akujuru emphasized that since the state of professional knowledge and competence of the valuer, being inadequate to engage in environmental valuations, requires a rethinking of the training and policy formation that will aid the management of contaminated environments and thus made the following recommendations.
He recommended that there should be improved knowledge and skills, while charging that the critical role of Valuers in value determination requires the training curricular of future Valuers to be expanded to include aspects of ecological economics to address the peculiarities of the Niger Delta environment.
He called on both the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors (NIESV) and the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON) to produce a practical standard for valuation of contaminated properties, incorporating international best practice standards.
Education
‘Our Target Is To Go Beyond Academic Accomplishments’

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
Education
Niger Delta Students Suspend Protest Against NDDC In PH

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
Education
Administrator Inspects School

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.
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