Rivers

IAUE Gets Additional 17 Professors

Published

2 years ago

July 1, 2024

Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rivers State, now has a total of 114 Professors following the promotion of 17 new ones to the position, recently.
The promotion of the 17 new Professors followed the recent consideration and subsequent ratification of their promotion by the University Governing Council on Monday June 24, 2024 as recommended by the Appointments and Promotions Committee (A and PC) Academic Part 11.
The Chairman of Senate, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, disclosed this during the statutory Senate Meeting held last Wednesday at the Postgraduate Hall.
Those promoted to the professorial cadre are: Udechukwu Jonathan Ogon of the Department of Educational Psychology, Guidance and Counselling. Professor of Educational Measurement and Evaluation, in the Faculty of Education.
Faculty of Humanities has: Glory Worukwo of the Department of English and Communication Art, who is Professor of Syntax and Phonology; Amala Peace Ibala of the Department of English and Communication Art, Professor of African Literature; and Grave Nelson of the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, Professor of Graphic Design and Art History.
The Faculty of Management Sciences has Anucha Victor Chima of the Department of Marketing, Professor of Marketing (Green Marketing).
In the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, there are: Wokoma Okorinama Abarinkia of the Department of Biology, Professor of Environmental Management; Ojekudo Nathaniel Akpofure of the Department of Computer/Mathematics, Professor of Applied Mathematics; Pepple Tamunosisi Furo of the Department of Chemistry, Professor of Science Education (Chemistry); Ogbonda Clement of the Department of Physics, Professor of Solid State; and Eke Peter Ogochukwu of the Department of Physics, Professor of Applied Geophysics.
In Faculty of Social Sciences are: Sylvanus Amadi of the Department of Economics, Professor of Monetary Economics; Nye Oruwari of the Department of Economics, Professor of Public Finance; Naluba Nwiekpugi Goddy of the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Professor of Regional Development Planning; Goddey Wilson of the Department of Political Science, Professor of Public Administration; Idoniboye-Obu Sakiemi Abbey of the Department of Political Science, Professor of Comparative Politics; and Michael Chukwunwike Uzorka of the Department of Sociology, Professor of Sociology of Development.
Concluding the 17 is Ann Ifeoma Asouzu of the Department of Home Economics, Hospitality and Tourism, Professor of Home Economics Education (Food and Nutrition), in the Faculty of Vocational and Technical Education (Voctech).
There were also 22 upgrades to the position of Associate Professor (Reader).
Of the 22, the Faculty of Education leads with a total of six persons: Benebo Solomon Willielmina of the Department of Early Childhood and Primary Education, Reader in Early Childhood Education; Oji Emmanuel of the Department of Adult Education and Community Development, Reader in Community Development; Ephraim Kpeno Amon of the Department of Adult Education and Community Development, Reader in Environmental Adult Education.; Obindah Fortune of the Department of Educational Psychology Guidance and Counselling, Reader in Educational Psychology; Asuk Unyejit William of the Department of Educational Psychology Guidance and Counselling, Reader in Educational Measurement and Evaluation; and Emenike Amadi O. of the Department of Educational Management, Reader in Educational Management.
This is followed by the Faculty of Social Sciences, which had five upgrades: Ojima Davis of the Department of Economics, Reader in Public Finance; Asuru Chikanele of the Department of Economics, Reader in Development Economics; Nzidee Williams of the Department of Economics, Reader in Monetary Economics; Ajoku Bright Chika of the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Reader in Regional Development Planning; and Deedam Dorka Godbless of the Department of Sociology, Reader in Sociology of Development.
The Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences took yhe next turn with four upgrades: Wagbara Onwudiwe Samuel of the Department of Chemistry, Reader in Science Education (Chemistry), Festus Chioma of the Department of Chemistry, Reader in Inorganic Chemistry Coordination/Organo Metallic; Orisa Charity of the Department of Human Kinetics, Health and Safety Education, Reader in Public Health Education,; and Owo Wisdom James of the Department of Integrated Science, Reader in Science Education (Chemistry).
Faculty of Management Sciences came next with three upgrades: Okpolosa Onyebuchi Mathew of the Department of Accounting, Reader in Financial Accounting, Nwekeala Benard of the Department of Marketing, Reader in Entrepreneurial Marketing, and Njoku Charity Chinasa of the Department of Office and Information Management, Reader in Human Resource Management.
Faculty of Humanities and that of Vocational and Technical Education (Votech) took the rear with two upgrades each: Nwombu Ugochukwu Kingsley of the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, Reader in Arts Education; and Michael Blessed Thomas of the Department of History and Diplomatic Studies, Reader in Intergroup Relations and Socio-Political History Humanities), while Technical Education has Chiorlu Divine Onyema of the Department of Technical Education, Reader in Industrial Technical Education (Electrical/Electronics); and Robinson Reagan Nnabio of the Department of Technical Education, Reader in Industrial Technical Education (Electrical/Electronics).
While congratulating those elevated, the Acting Vice Chancellor of IAUE, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, urged all to be their brother’s keeper.
He assured that he will continue to do good and be nice to all irrespective of their hatred, and prayed for those trying to tarnish his image with cheap blackmail, emphasizing that he is not moved or bothered as “a clear conscience fears no accusations”.
Professor Onuchuku informed that the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Joseph Fubara, has approved the recruitment of staff for the institution, 1,100 for teaching staff of Professorial cadre to Graduate Assistants, and 400 For non-teaching staff from Clerical to Administrative Officers.
He expressed gratitude to the Governor for the kind gesture and remarked that the Governing Council is working assiduously towards the exercise, adding that advertisement will soon be put up for Council to receive applications from would-be candidates
The Chairman of Senate enjoined staff to continue to carry out their duties diligently and reiterated that students who do not meet up the seventy percent class attendance will not be allowed to write examination.
The Senate approved results from the Faculties of Education, Humanities, Management Sciences, Natural and Applied Sciences, and Social Sciences.
Others include results from Community Service, Siwes and Centre for Continuing Education (CCE).

By: Sogbeba Dokubo

Rivers

Don, Stakeholders Urge Environmental Laws In N’Delta

Published

1 day ago

March 9, 2026

The Tide

A lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Ibibia Worika, has called for stronger implementation of legal and policy frameworks to address the conflicts and environmental challenges facing the Niger Delta region.

Worika, who is the Director of the University’s Centre for Advanced Law Research, Faculty of Law, made the call during a stakeholders’ workshop held in Port Harcourt, with the theme, “Building Peace in the Fire.”

Worika, a Professor of Comparative Petroleum and International Environmental Law and Policy at the University of Port Harcourt, said the workshop was aimed at promoting dialogue to enhance the utilisation of legal and policy provisions.

He explained that such provisions were designed to combat extractive industry-related conflicts in the Niger Delta region.

In his paper titled “Addressing the Challenges of Hydrocarbon Mining and Related Conflicts: Towards Promoting Rights-Based Actions for Combating Climate Change in Rivers State”, he noted that pollution and environmental degradation in the region were widespread and well documented.

According to him, deliberations at the workshop focused on Nigeria and international legal frameworks that support oil extraction, while safeguarding environmental responsibilities and human rights.

Worika explained that although Nigeria’s Constitution did not expressly provide for enforceable environmental rights, the domesticated African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights contained provisions on environmental rights that courts could enforce when necessary.

He urged multinational oil companies operating in the region to comply with established international norms, including the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

“These companies are largely from OECD member countries. They should internalise biodiversity safety measures and other international standards in their operations in the Niger Delta,” Worika said.

The Professor also urged the Federal Government to establish an environmental remediation trust fund for the Niger Delta, similar to the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project set up for Ogoniland.

He noted that while one billion dollars had been earmarked over 25 to 30 years for the Ogoni clean-up, other parts of the region suffering similar environmental damage required comparable intervention.

Worika further called for the effective implementation of the Host Community Development Trust provisions under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), with minimal political interference and equitable representation of host communities.

He emphasised transparency and accountability in managing the trusts, adding that communities should be fully informed about membership criteria and project implementation processes.

On the remediation of Ogoniland oil pollution, Worika advocated for greater community engagement and inclusiveness in project planning and implementation.

“I would like to see greater community engagement, especially in cases where agencies decide how and where to intervene without adequate consultation with those affected. That is certainly not a good approach”, Worika said.

He stressed that communities most impacted by environmental degradation should be included at the planning and design stages and integrated into the project implementation process.

According to him, while technical aspects may require specialised expertise, local residents can handle less technical tasks such as sand removal and soil excavation, thereby enhancing ownership and empowerment.

Similarly, the President of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), Mr. Olu-Andah Wai-Ogosu, attributed rising youth restiveness and communal conflicts in Ogoni communities to poor mentorship and leadership failures.

“Our youths today are so much in a hurry. They don’t take time to understand issues before taking sides. They are easily swayed by short-term benefits and often fall prey to politicians”, he said.

He added that the crisis in traditional and political leadership had contributed to conflicts in the area.

Wai-Ogosu used the opportunity to urge parents and community leaders to instil discipline and moral values in young people to promote sustainable peace and development in the Niger Delta.

The workshop was organised by the Habitat Protection and Sustainabley Development Initiative, in collaboration with the Centre for Advanced Law Research, Rivers State University.

By: Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

KENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare

Published

1 day ago

March 9, 2026

The Tide

The newly appointed Rector of Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori (KENPOLY), Dr. George Chile Wadike, has said he would prioritize the welfare of students by improving the learning environment.

Dr. Wadike, who disclosed this to The Tide during an interview in his office, said his administration would reduce acts of social vices in the Polytechnic and make it more learning friendly.

“We want to ensure that the school environment is more peaceful and friendly to all.

“We also want to curtail the act of social vices, especially cultism experienced in the Polytechnic”, he state.

According to him, under his watch as Rector, he would ensure zero tolerance for social vices on campus.

On the infrastructures, the Rector said his administration would improve in the existing infrastructures in the school to enhance adequate learning.

He also said his administration shall improve electricity supply on campus to enable students read their books and better their academic performance

Kenpoly, Wadike said, would compete globally with its counterparts in all fields of learning.

“I promise to sow the seed of hard work, learning and teaching amongst others in the Polytechnic as a Rector.

“We shall also improve the Polytechnic by working with its Alumni and improve students welfare. That is why we are really here”, he said.

He assured on protection for students of the school in their academic pursuit and urged them to take their academics seriously.

On cultism and other social vices, Dr. Wadike said his administration shall partner with security agencies and the host community to eradicate acts of cultism in the institution

He also appealed to the students to embrace peace and take their academics seriously, rather than indulging in acts that will be inimical to their life.

The Rector further promised to build a cordial working relationship with the host and neighbouring communities, noting that such relationships shall improve the activities of the Polytechnic.

Dr. Wadike, an Accountant, who promised to reposition the image of the Polytechnic globally, said the activities of the Polytechnic would be publicised to the international communities to earn more credibility.

By: Chinedu Wosu

Rivers

Lulu-Briggs Commends Tinubu On State Police, Peace In Rivers

Published

1 day ago

March 9, 2026

The Tide

A former Accord Party Governorship candidate in Rivers State, Chief Dumu Lulu-Briggs, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinibu for his “pragmatic support” for State Police in Nigeria.

Lulu-Briggs lauded the President on Friday during an exclusive chat with Journalists at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, in Rivers State.

According to him, State Police will help in reducing criminal activities across the country, saying that the security of life and properities is essential and it is a collective responsibility.

The former Governorship candidate called on governments at all levels to support the State Police in order to make the society crime-free.

He said the State Police would not only reduce crime, but will also boost employments across the country.

Lulu-Briggs also used the medium to applaud President Tinibu for intervening in the face-off between the Executive and Legislative arms of Government in Rivers State.

He expressed happiness that peace has returned to the state, noting that the fued between the two organs of the governments has delayed the speed of developments in the state.

The two-time governorship candidate also expressed optimism that the peace accord will give more rooms for development and also create a better atmosphere for empowerment of the youths and Women.

“Now that peace has returned in the state, there is need to queue behind the peace to be sustained for the overall interest and betterment of all in the State..

“On the political tussle in the state, I thank President Tinibu on the recent reconciliation. Now that the problem has been settled by the aggressive parties, it is the responsibility of the people to embrace peace and work towards the growth of the state and continuous sustainability of developments in the state”, he said.

On 2027 election, the Kalabari-born politician said politics is not a do-or-die affair, and advised both the public and politicians to play politics in accordance with the rules.

“To me, politics is not a do-or-die affair, whoever that wins election is still our brother or sister, the important thing is that let them do the needful, they should develop the area and the people.

“The problem we are having in Nigerian politics is that some of our politicians in positions of trust sometimes abuse the opportunities given to them”, he said.

By: Enoch Epelle