Education
‘RSUST, Key To Post-Oil Rivers’
The Acting Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Professor Blessing C. Didia (right) welcoming the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike to the 28th Convocation Ceremony of the University, while chairman of the Governing Council, Justice Iche Ndu (rtd) watches. Photo: Sogbeba Dokubo
A University Don. Pro
fessor Willie J. Okowa, has said that the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) is well placed to contribute to the development of post-oil Rivers State.
Okowa, who gave this hint, last Thursday at the 28th Convocation lecture of the RSUST, explained that all that was required was the will and necessary encouragement to do it.
In his lecture titled, “Science and Technology in the post-oil Development of Rivers State: The place of RSUST”, the Professor of Economics identified four key means through which the University could contribute to the economy of the State without dependence on oil.
“it is my position that the successful diversification of our state’s economy will start with a successful transformation/modernization of our agricultural sector”, he said.
While faulting the under-utilized potentials of the state in agriculture, he stated that despite programmes in Agricultural Education, Animal Science, Soil Science and Fisheries, “agriculture in the state is still largely dominated by traditional farmers and fishermen”.
He stated that a successful transition to a post-oil economy for the state will, therefore, “depend largely on developments in our agricultural and agro-allied industrial sectors.
“Rivers State UST has the critical catalytic role to play here, in line with its teaching and Community Service commitment/mandate”, he said.
The second thing for the University to do, he continued, is to develop thousands of skilled labour in such fields as Electrical, Works, Masonry Welding, Plumbing, Carpentry and various aspects of road construction.
This, according to him,, could be done through the institution’s Technical Education Department.
All of the fore-going would make less meaning if the University’s academic programmes are not overhauled. This, he explained, should be done in a way that “our mechanical engineers at graduation should be able to dismantle any car engine, for example, and couple it back”.
He also called for the employment of practical technicians as instructors and demonstrators, rather than the present situation of employing people with what he called “big certificates”.
In his closing remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Professor Joseph Ajienka advocated for a paradigm change of university lecturers not contributing to sustainable development of their institutions.
“As Universities, we have a role to play to develop indigenous technology to a level that it can serve society. To do this, our prayer is for Universities to be in the fore front in this (proposed) knowledge society, to transform society. This is the whole essence of life after oil”, he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Blessing Didia had eulogized staff of the institution for their cooperation so far, which, he said, had made things easier for the administration of the University.
Stories by Sogbeba Dokubo
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.
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