Education
Southernton Poly Matriculates 28 Students
A total of 28 students matriculated at the maiden matriculation ceremony of Southernton Polytechnic, Egbeta-Ewoma in Bayelsa State.
The epoch-making occasion which took place at the lecture auditorium of the polytechnic, Yenagoa campus annex, last Friday had 16 students in the Department of School of Industrial Technology, nine in School of Craft and Design Technology and two in School of Home and Hospitality Management while one matriculated in School of Agro and Allied Production Technology.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman, Governing Council and Pro-Chancellor of the polytechnic, King Nicholas Dickson Ibiebele Nimenibo, enjoined the pioneer students of the school to count themselves lucky and take their studies seriously.
King Nimenibo who is also the Amanyanabo of Ogu Kingdom in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State opined that skills and vocational education is key to the nation’s development and further advised them to ensure they achieve their heart desires and come out successfully in their chosen careers to make the institute proud.
He charged the school authorities and lecturers to do their best in imparting good morals and educational upbringing to the students and assured that he would use his position to ensure that the school grows rapidly.
The Traditional Ruler thanked them for bestowing on his the chairman governing council and pro-chancellor of the institute and expressed profound gratitude, while assuring that he would do everything humanly possible to assist and commended the originator of the institute and the management for the honour done him.
At the ceremony, Chief Wokoma Amba-Kwani was also honoured as a member of the Governing Council while the portrait of the pro-chancellor and chairman, Governing council of the institute was also unveiled as part of the highlights of the day, while Chief Solomon Ibiayemie Koru of Bolo Kingdom was among dignitaries that attended the ceremony.
Collins Barasimeye
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.