Education
RSG Re-assures Support For Security Agencies
The Rivers State Government has reiterated its commitment to support the military and other security agencies to maintain security of lives and properties in the state.
Giving the assurance last Friday during the maiden book launch at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), the State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike said ensuring security in the state is paramount in his agenda.
The Governor, who was represented by the Head of Service (HOS), Barr. Rufus Godwins noted that the book, titled “National Security in Nigeria”, was apt given the present security issues in different parts of the country.
“The coming out of this book at this time, even the name of the book, makes it timely and apt.
“The book on National Security in Nigeria came at a time the government of this country has deployed men and resources to different troubled spots, not only in Nigeria, but also outside, is most timely”, he said.
More so, he continued, maintenance of security of lives and properties in Rivers State has always been top most in the vision of the new Rivers State.
For this purpose, “His Excellency has committed himself to ensure collaboration with the Federal Government, Security Agencies and all stakeholders to guarantee the safety and security of life and property in the state.
Be rest assured that we will do every thing possible to support every effort by the military and other sister agencies to ensure that Rivers State is the safest and more secure state in Nigeria”, the Governor said. While appreciating the effort of the author of the book, Dr Blessing E.N. Thom-Otuya, the Governor lamented that the internet has virtually pushed reading of books to the background, especially among the youths.
Now, we react to books, and we do worse by the internent.. The children no longer read. My fear is that in the next 10 years, if care is not taken, we may not have libraries where we can walk into and demand for copies of complete works of shakespare, etc”, he said.
The Governor used the opportunity to assure the leadership of the IAUE of its interest to put this institution on a high pedestal.”
In his welcome address, the author of the book had stated the objective of the book, which he said, is ultimately to build Nigeria into a super power among the community of nations.
“The book is aimed at addressing myriad of personal social issues, one of which is ‘how I can increase my value in order to benefit others rather than just myself.
It is further anchored on encouraging the use of research to promote the transformation of Nigeria to a super power and lastly, to promote scholarship”, he said.
Earlier in his speech, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Ozo-Mekuri Ndimele had acknowledged the effort of the author, noting that it is a key factor in a university environment, even as Africans are yet to reap from it.
“It is a pleasure to welcome you to this first book launch under my supervision.
This is what we should do in a University, not marriages, nor thanksgiving only.
We are here for knowledge, and knowledge is only seen in books. Unfortunately, Africans don’t read books. That is why we are still behind civilization”, the V.C said.
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.