The Academic Planning Unit of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, IAUE, has organized a Pre-Resource Assessment Workshop for Heads of Department and Deans as part of preparations for the forthcoming NUC Resource Verification exercise.

The workshop held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the Postgraduate Hall of the University. It drew professors, deans and HODs from across faculties.

Declaring the workshop open on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Okechukwu Onuchukwu, the University Librarian, Prof. Emmanuel Okwu, welcomed principal officers and other participants. He described the session as critical to ensuring the University’s readiness for the NUC assessment.

Prof. Okwu stressed that the exercise was not routine but a strategic step toward meeting national standards. He urged participants to take the presentations seriously and implement recommendations in their departments.

The Director of the Academic Planning Unit, in his welcome address, said the workshop was designed to assess the level of preparedness of departments ahead of the verification. He noted that the University had already invested significantly in facilities and staffing and was now awaiting the NUC team.

Three resource persons took participants through key aspects of the verification process. The Director of Academic Planning, Prof. Joseph Kinanee, spoke on “NUC Resource Verification and Their Requirements.”

Prof. Levi Doe Kalagbor, Director of Quality Assurance, addressed “The Role of Staff in Successful Resource Verification Exercise.” Prof. Isaac Ogundu, Dean of the Faculty of Vocational and Technical Education, presented on “NUC Scoring Format/Guide and Its Implication for Approval Status.”

The presentations were followed by an interactive question-and-answer session. Participants sought clarifications on documentation, facilities and staffing ratios, and received detailed responses from the facilitators.

In his closing remarks, Prof. Okwu thanked everyone for their active participation and engagement. He expressed optimism that IAUE would record a successful outcome in the upcoming NUC resource verification. The programme ended with a closing prayer and refreshments.

By: Amadi Akujobi

The Rivers State Government has restated its commitment to maintaining high standards in academic delivery, administration, discipline, infrastructure, sanitation and student welfare at the Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology.

The Honourable Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, gave the assurance on Friday during a familiarisation visit to the College. He interfaced with the Management on the institution’s achievements, challenges and areas requiring urgent government attention.

Describing the College as a strategic institution for the educational and healthcare development of Rivers State, Dr. Nwagor said the mandate of the College places a direct responsibility on it to produce competent graduates.

According to him, the competence of graduates from the College is directly linked to public health and safety. He stressed that this makes it imperative for the institution to uphold the highest professional and academic standards.

The Commissioner acknowledged concerns raised over sanitation and recent student agitations. He said such matters must not be ignored or addressed superficially, noting that a sound academic environment must be clean, safe, orderly and conducive for learning.

Dr. Nwagor further stated that students must have credible and structured channels through which their legitimate concerns are heard and resolved without delay. He urged the Management to deepen engagement with students and improve environmental management across the campus.

He assured that the Ministry of Education will continue to support and enforce standard practices in all institutions under its supervision, in line with the requirements of relevant regulatory and accreditation bodies. He also commended the Acting Provost for the achievements recorded during her tenure.

Speaking on government priorities, the Commissioner said the administration of Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, has continued to prioritise education. He challenged the College Management to align with that vision by ensuring that government investments result in measurable and sustainable outcomes.

In her welcome address, the Acting Provost, Dr. Peace Chigozirim Amadi, thanked the Governor for the release of funds for the accreditation of eight programs, the donation of a 500KVA transformer, and the resurfacing of internal roads through the Ministry of Works.

She, however, said the College is in dire need of amendments to some sections of its law to enable it attract external funding from TETFund, Needs Assessment and other intervention sources. Dr. Amadi listed dilapidated infrastructure, absence of a Governing Council, non-implementation of CATA, recurrent flooding, inadequate staffing and lack of an ambulance as major challenges. The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of an Award of Merit to the Commissioner by the Students’ Union Government. Responding on his behalf, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mina Tele Ikuru, thanked the students and described Dr. Nwagor as a committed leader who will ensure issues in the College are handled promptly.

By: Amadi Akujobi