Education
Abia Corps Members Sensitise Schools On Corruption
Members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Abia State, last Friday sensitised secondary school students in the state on anti-corruption fight.
The corps members urged the students to uphold integrity and shun all forms of corrupt tendencies at early age to help Nigeria become the country of everybody’s dream.
They spoke on the topic “Youth of now and then in the fight against corruption”, during the inter-school quiz competition and induction of the NYSC 2018 Batch “C” Anti-Corruption CDS group, which held in Umuahia.
Our correspondent reports that the event, which held at the NYSC secretariat in Umuahia, was organised by the CDS group, in collaboration with other similar groups.
The event had participants from different schools, including representatives from anti-graft agencies, and officials of the NYSC.
Miss Joke Onishakin, President, Charity Gender CDS group, Umuahia, urged the youths to change their mind-set and believe it was possible to eradicate corruption.
“When you have the right attitude towards things, you grow up into a selfless adult.
“Stealing parents’ money, lying, bullying, etc, is corruption. All those things begin from childhood,” Onishakin said.
Corps members who spoke at the event noted that for the country to be rid of corruption, it had to be a collective fight.
Dr Jonathan Adeola, said that it was the collective responsibility of all Nigerians, especially youths, to shun every act of corrupt practice.
Adeola said corruption had many dimensions, including unwholesome examination practices; and urged students to rather “burn midnight candles” in their quest for success.
Dr Michael Ojo, who also called on his peers to join in the fight against corruption; noted that the cancer called corruption could only be dealt with if the fight against it became every citizen’s concern.
In a goodwill message, Mr Victor Onakpiberuo, Head of Department, Education, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) said the commission was committed to promoting youths’ activities, specifically, anti-corruption crusades.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, Mrs Francisca Ifon, the NYSC State Coordinator, commended the organisers for the initiative.
Ifon urged corps members to guard against negative influence by politicians in the forthcoming general elections; and keep their integrity intact.
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.