Education

Community seeks government intervention over Herders Occupation Of School

Published

7 months ago

December 22, 2025

The people of Omerelu community in Ikwerre local government Area of Rivers state have called on the state government interventions over an alleged Herdsmen taken over the premises of community Secondary School in the area.

This state of the secondary school have left the students of the community displaced.

Speaking to journalists at Omerelu on the occupation of the school by the herdsmen , an opinion leader from the community , Mr Obinichi Amadi, briefed journalists shortly after the commissioning of the Egbeda–Omerelu Link Road by the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, recently .

Amadi claimed that the problem has persisted for months, but was renewed by commissioning of the road renewed which he said, called for urgent government attention.

According to him, the school which is strategically located along the newly inaugurated road has become unsafe as roaming cattle and herdsmen now occupy its classrooms, open fields, and access routes.

Reports have it that some students who attempted to access the premises in recent weeks confirmed that dilapidated buildings, broken desks, and the presence of herders have made learning impossible.

The Community leader further described the development as both an educational and security crisis.

“The takeover of the school by suspected herdsmen poses a direct threat to children and undermines the developmental prospects expected from the newly completed link road. We want Governor, Siminalayi Fubara to come to our aid”, he said.

He also pointed out that the school which was established to serve the Egbeda–Omerelu corridor, has suffered long-term infrastructural decay, creating the vacuum that allowed herdsmen to encroach on the premises.

He further explained that the community has repeatedly appealed for intervention and is now placing renewed hope in the Governor following the commissioning of the road.

“The irony is stark: while the state government has enhanced access into Omerelu with a modern road, the only major secondary school along that axis is non-functional and overrun by intruders. The road should lead not just to mobility but to meaningful development,” he said.

Meanwhile, student representatives lamented the collapse of their learning environment, citing leaking roofs, collapsed walls, overgrown bushes, and the absence of security as reasons many parents have withdrawn their children for safety.

Parents as it was learnt had warned against closing the school completely and added that it could force them to send their children to distant communities for education purposes.

As the newly commissioned road receives accolades, the people of Omerelu are issuing a clear and urgent call saying that the Government Secondary School, Omerelu must be rescued, rehabilitated, and returned to its students.

It was also gathered that the once-thriving citadel of learning has been in this deplorable state for nearly two decades.

By: King Onunwor

Education

Abia State University Screens First Class Graduates From The 30-32nd Convocation For Employment

Published

1 week ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

In line with the directive of the Governor of Abia State and Visitor to the University, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, for the automatic employment of all First-Class graduates from the 30th–32nd Convocation Ceremony of the University, the Management on Wednesday, 24th June 2026, screened the eligible graduates who have completed their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for the onward processing of their employment letters.

Speaking during the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ndukwe J. Okeudo, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor (Mrs.) Roseline Ndimele, expressed delight at the outstanding academic achievements of the graduates. She noted that the University Management is proud of their accomplishments and remains committed to supporting excellence and rewarding hard work.

Professor Ndimele further added that graduates who have successfully completed their NYSC programme are eligible to submit their application documents, while those currently serving or yet to commence the programme should return upon completion of their service.

In his remarks, the Registrar, Dr. Acho Elendu, stated that the meeting was convened in adherence to the directive of the Governor and Visitor to the University, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR. He urged all prospective candidates to adhere strictly to the guidelines provided in order to avoid errors or misinformation during the screening process.

Recall that during the 30th–32nd Convocation Ceremony of Abia State University held on 27th March 2026 at the retrofitted University Pavilion, the Governor of Abia State and Visitor to the University, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, announced that all First-Class graduates from the three convocation sets would be retained as Graduate Assistants after completing the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Education

Rivers State Begins 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination Wednesday

Published

1 week ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Ministry of Education has announced that the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) will officially commence on Wednesday, 2026, across all public and private schools in the state.

In a statement issued by the Director of Examinations and Records, Pastor Gideon Nwachukwu Uboh, on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, says school authorities across all Local Government Areas have been advised to ensure that their students are adequately prepared for the examination.

The statement further directed that schools in all Local Government Areas, except Obio/Akpor, should collect and return examination materials through their respective Zonal Education Offices.

It further directed Schools within the Obio/Akpor Zone to collect and return examination materials at the following custodial centres:

Obio/Akpor Zone I: Community Secondary School, Okoro-Nu-Odo

Obio/Akpor Zone II: State Primary School I, Rumuapara, Obio/Akpor Zone III: Community Secondary School, Ozuoba.

The Ministry also disclosed that the Rivers State Government has paid the examination fees for all candidates in public schools. It warned that any principal or teacher found extorting money from students in public schools under any guise will be sanctioned in accordance with the law.

Akujobi Amadi

Education

FPOG Bonny Announces Resumption Date For Second Semester Academic Session

Published

1 week ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Management of the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny, (FPOG) has announced the resumption of second semester from Monday 29th of June 2026.

A statement signed by Mr Anthony Ogbe, Senior Assistant Registrar/public Relations officer and made available to the tide advise.

Students to resume as announced and update their course registrations.

The statement further call them to take note of all academic deadlines for the semester , adding that timely resumption is essential to achieving the stated academic objectives.

According to the statement ,” the Polytechnic remains committed to academic excellence, innovation, and bridging the gap between theory and practice. Management has provided the necessary resources and environment to support staff and students in delivering impactful solutions.”

“Management looks forward to receiving all returning students and wishes everyone safe travels back to campus.”the statement added.

Akujobi Amadi