Nation
RSU, Glo Partners To Improve Digital Learning, Efficient Network Services
Rivers State University (RSU) and Globacom Nigeria Limited have partnered to enhance digital learning and communication within the university.
The partnership, known as the “RSU Staff and Students Close User Group,” aims to provide uninterrupted network and internet services across the university’s campuses.
During the launch event at the main campus held on tuesday in port Harcourt, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Zeb-Obipi Isaac, praised Globacom for selecting the university for this initiative.
He noted that poor network services have been a major challenge for the institution and expressed gratitude for Globacom’s commitment to improving digital connectivity and announced the purchase of one thousand and five hundred glo lines for use by new subscribers in the university.
Prof. Zeb-Obipi explained that the university is open to working with any network provider that can deliver efficient services, including fiber optic connectivity to enhance internet access.
He also requested that existing Globacom subscribers among staff and students be allowed to retain their lines without disruption.
Our challenges have been poor network issues,the moment you enter in to the university campus, you will begin to experience poor network problems.
ICC came and dropped one in the school and requested them to drag the fibre optic system to school ICT but uptill this moment, they have not returned and we will not wait for them but will move with any one that meets our desire “he stated.
Globacom’s consulting partner, Ambidex Media & Communication,Dr Chimbuo Victor outlined the benefits of the partnership, including a monthly subscription fee of N500 for participants. The company will install seven network masts across the university’s campuses to ensure seamless connectivity.
The partnership is expected to usher in a new digital era for RSU, enabling staff and students to access uninterrupted network services and enhancing digital learning opportunities.
“Lecturers and students on the group can learn more even after school hours on the platform using the platform.we are installing seven masks, four in the main campus,while the remaining three will be installed at Abara, Emohua and Ahaoda campus”he stated .
Akujobi Amadi
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has commemorated the 15th anniversary of the release of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Environmental Assessment Report on Ogoniland, reaffirming its commitment to restoring the environment and improving the livelihoods of affected communities.
In a statement signed by the Project Coordinator, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, to commemorate the anniversary, HYPREP described the anniversary as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s environmental restoration efforts, noting that the project has made remarkable progress in implementing the recommendations of the landmark UNEP report released on August 4, 2011.
The UNEP report had revealed extensive oil pollution across Ogoniland, severe environmental degradation, and serious public health risks resulting from decades of petroleum operations. It also recommended an initial $1 billion fund to commence the cleanup of the affected communities.
According to HYPREP, the Federal Government formally launched the Ogoni clean-up in 2016, while the Project Coordination Office was established in 2017 to drive the implementation of UNEP’s recommendations.
Zabbey said the current administration has continued to prioritise the project under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Providing an update on the cleanup, the Project Coordinator disclosed that 30 of the 65 contaminated sites identified by UNEP have been fully remediated, while work is ongoing at several medium- and high-risk locations. It also stated that more than 1.5 million mangrove seedlings have been planted as part of what it described as the world’s largest restoration of oil-degraded mangroves, with over 1,000 hectares of shoreline already rehabilitated.
Zabbey further revealed that 49 Ogoni communities have been connected to potable water schemes through multiple water projects and booster stations aimed at providing safe drinking water across the region.
In the health sector, he said the 100-bed Ogoni Specialist Hospital in Kpite and the 43-bed Cottage Hospital in Buan are nearing completion, adding that several existing health facilities have been upgraded with modern medical equipment, while five ambulances have been donated to improve emergency healthcare services. The Project Coordinator also disclosed that a three-year human health biomonitoring study is being conducted in collaboration with the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
On economic empowerment, Zabbey stated that the Project has created more than 8,000 direct jobs and trained thousands of Ogoni youths and women in various vocational and technical skills, including software development, cybersecurity, aviation, commercial diving, seafaring, mechatronics, and creative arts. The project also reported awarding scholarships to more than 1,000 students, providing grants to small businesses, and supporting persons living with special needs through skills acquisition programmes.
The statement further highlighted ongoing legacy projects, including the Ogoni Power Project and the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, which it said is about 96 per cent complete. HYPREP also welcomed the recent designation of the Ogoni Wetland as a Ramsar Site of International Importance and pledged to continue promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of the ecosystem.
Marking the anniversary, Zabbey said the progress achieved over the past 15 years demonstrates the collective commitment of government, development partners, stakeholders, and local communities to restoring Ogoniland. He called for renewed collaboration to sustain the cleanup effort, promote environmental sustainability, and support the long-term development of the region. 3