Education
Sixteen universities battle for 2026 NDDC moot court competition in Port Harcourt
Sixteen law faculties of universities across the Niger Delta region have been locked horn in the2026 moot court competition organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in port Harcourt, Rivers state.
Speaking at the opening session of the competition recently at the port Harcourt law school,the chairman of the the governing council of NDDC Board,Chiedu Ebie
reaffirmed the commitment of the commission to strengthening legal education and human-capacity development as key drivers of sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.
Ebie emphasised the strategic role of legal advocacy in shaping confident and competent legal minds capable of addressing the challenges confronting the region.
He explained that the moot court competition, originally conceived as an annual programme, was suspended for about eight years before its revival by the current Governing Board.
According to him the 2026 edition marks the third consecutive annual edition organised under the present Board, reflecting its renewed commitment to education and human-capacity development.
The NDDC Board Chairman also used the opportunity to highlight its foreign postgraduate scholarship programme, through which 200 indigent Niger Delta students below the age of 40 are selected annually to undertake one-year postgraduate programmes abroad.
“The NDDC spends about $40,000 per beneficiary, in addition to a pre-departure grant of approximately ?6.5 million to support related expenses.”
He disclosed that 51 beneficiaries graduated with distinctions in 2023, while 59 recorded distinctions in 2024. The Commission said the high number of applications—more than 10,000 for only 200 available places—prompted it to introduce a domestic postgraduate scholarship programme, under which 1,000 deserving students receive ?5 million each to pursue postgraduate studies in Nigerian institutions.
Beyond scholarships, the NDDC ,he said was also investing in university infrastructure, particularly student accommodation. It cited the construction of a 200-bed hostel at Niger Delta University, Amassoma, and disclosed plans to undertake similar projects at the University of Benin and the University of Delta, Abraka.
The Commission further linked the moot and mock trial competition to its broader efforts to use law and legal advocacy to identify and address development challenges in the Niger Delta. It recalled its recent Law and Development Summit, which brought together civil leaders and development experts to examine the relationship between law and sustainable development.
It declared that the competition was not merely about winning, but about equipping future lawyers to use the law and courtroom advocacy to contribute to solving the region’s challenges.
Also speaking,the managing director and chief executive officer NDDC,Dr Samuel Ogbuku
Urged Law Students to Deploy Legal Skills for Regional Development and reaffirmed its commitment to human-capacity development and legal education in the Niger Delta region, describing moot court competitions as critical platforms for equipping aspiring lawyers with practical advocacy skills.
Represented by the Director of finance and Admin,Hon BOMA Iyaye ,the MD/CEO urged participating students to look beyond winning the competition and consider how their legal knowledge could contribute to the sustainable development of the region.
According to him , the continued hosting of the competition reflects the Commission’s commitment to strengthening the educational potential and human-capacity development of the region.
He noted that, from his interactions with participants over the years, moot court competitions had played a crucial role in legal education by helping students acquire knowledge, advocacy skills and practical experience needed for their future careers.
Presenting her keynote address,a retired Supreme court justice, justice Mary Ukaego Odili (rtd)
urged law students to embrace moot court competitions as a veritable platform for developing practical advocacy skills and building confidence before entering the legal profession.
Justice mary odili said competitions of such nature were essential to bridging the gap between classroom learning and the realities of legal practice
She said young lawyers must be given opportunities to test their knowledge, make mistakes and learn from them in a safe environment, stressing that confidence in advocacy could only be developed through practical experience in presenting and defending legal positions.
According to her, the initiative would contribute significantly to the development of legal education in the region while drawing attention to challenges peculiar to the Niger Delta through academic legal competitions.
She commended the organisers for initiating the competition and called on faculties of law across the region to take moot court activities seriously and invest adequately in them.
In his good will message ,the 30th NBA president ,Mr Olumide Akpata commended the management of Nddc for the initiative, noting that the commission deserves to be recognised and applauded.
He advised the competing students to understand the competition is more than winning a trophy or emerging as the best team but an opportunity to prepare themselves for the responsibilities that come with becoming members of the legal profession.
“As you participate ,learn to research thoroughly, think independently, listen carefully, speak confidently, and argue respectfully.A good lawyer is the one who understands the law, understands the facts, presents a clear argument, and remains respectful even when confronted with an opposing view.” he stated.
By: Akujobi Amadi
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The Rivers State Ministry of Education has strongly condemned reports of alleged forced virginity testing of female students of Government Comprehensive High School (Senior Secondary), Taabaa, in Khana Local Government Area.
The Ministry said the alleged act was reportedly carried out by persons claiming to act on behalf of a traditional institution in the community under the guise of offering scholarships and exercise books to the students.
According to the report received by the Ministry, the persons had on Thursday, September 17, 2026, visited the school and selected sixteen female students for the exercise, a development that triggered objections and a peaceful protest by students of the school.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Her Excellency Dr. Mina Tele Ikuru, for the Honourable Commissioner for Education, the Ministry described the allegations as extremely serious, disturbing and a violation of the dignity, privacy and fundamental rights of schoolchildren.
The Ministry stated unequivocally that no individual, traditional institution, community body or private organisation has the authority to subject students to virginity testing or any other form of abuse, no matter the justification.
It stressed that educational assistance, including scholarships and donation of exercise books, must be provided transparently and without conditions that compromise the safety, dignity or rights of beneficiaries.
The Ministry disclosed that it has commenced full investigation into the incident to establish the facts and will take all appropriate actions, including referral to relevant authorities, against any person or body found to have been involved.
It cautioned all persons, traditional institutions and community bodies to refrain from any activity involving selection, examination or testing of female students for virginity, whether directly or indirectly, under any guise.
The Ministry further directed all schools in Rivers State to uphold the highest standards of child protection and assured students of Government Comprehensive High School, Taabaa, their parents and the wider school community that their concerns are being taken seriously, adding that the safety and dignity of every student must be protected at all times.
[23/10, 21:51] Meta AI: *OUTRAGE IN RIVERS: GOVT VOWS FULL WRATH AS 16 SCHOOLGIRLS FORCED INTO VIRGINITY TEST IN KHANA*
*PORT HARCOURT* — The Rivers State Ministry of Education has condemned in strong terms the alleged forced virginity testing of 16 female students of Government Comprehensive High School, Taabaa, in Khana Local Government Area.
The Ministry said the degrading act was allegedly perpetrated by persons claiming to act on behalf of a traditional institution in the community, who stormed the school under the guise of offering scholarships and exercise books.
According to the official report received by the Ministry, the incident occurred on Thursday, September 17, 2026, when the suspects selected 16 female students for the invasive test, sparking outrage and a peaceful protest by students.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mina Tele Ikuru, for the Honourable Commissioner for Education, the Ministry described the allegation as extremely serious, disturbing and a direct assault on the dignity, privacy and fundamental human rights of innocent schoolchildren.
It declared categorically that no individual, traditional ruler, community body or private organisation has any authority whatsoever to subject students to virginity testing or any form of dehumanizing practice.
The Ministry insisted that educational support such as scholarships and learning materials must be rendered transparently and unconditionally, without any attempt to compromise the safety, dignity or rights of beneficiaries.
It announced that a full-scale investigation has been launched to establish the facts surrounding the incident, warning that anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law, including referral to relevant security and human rights authorities.
The Ministry also issued a stern warning to all traditional institutions, community leaders and individuals to desist forthwith from any act involving selection, examination or testing of female students for virginity under any guise.
It further directed all principals and school heads across Rivers State to enforce the highest standards of child protection and assured students of Government Comprehensive High School, Taabaa, their parents and guardians that their safety and dignity remain non-negotiable.
Rivers State University (RSU), Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, has honoured two former Principal Officers, Professor Valentine B. Omubo-Pepple, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and Dr Ibimonia B. S. Harry, former Registrar, in recognition of their contributions to the growth, administration and development of the institution.
The End-of-Tenure Ceremony, held on Friday, October 23, 2026, at the University’s Convocation Arena.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, emphasised the importance of building relationships that extend beyond official responsibilities, noting that colleagues who work together should also cultivate enduring friendships.
He described Professor Omubo-Pepple as an energetic gentleman and commended his effectiveness as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), as well as his generosity, large-heartedness and leadership qualities.
The Vice-Chancellor also praised Dr Harry for her meticulous approach to work, particularly her attention to detail and commitment to ensuring that administrative responsibilities were handled diligently and accurately.
Professor Zeb-Obipi expressed appreciation to members of staff for their support, experience and sacrifices towards the university’s development. He noted that their contributions remained valuable to the institution beyond their respective tenures.
He wished both former Principal Officers success in their future endeavours and acknowledged their invaluable support and commitment during their years of service.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Occasion and former Vice-Chancellor, Emeritus Professor S. C. Achinewhu, congratulated the honourees and reflected on their professional journeys, from their entry into the institution to the highest levels of their respective careers. He also commended the Vice-Chancellor for sustaining the End-of-Tenure Ceremony.
In separate responses, Professor Omubo-Pepple and Dr Harry expressed gratitude to the university management, colleagues and members of staff for the support, cooperation and goodwill they enjoyed throughout their respective tenures.
Professor Omubo-Pepple described his time in office as an opportunity to serve and contribute to the university’s development. He attributed the progress recorded during his tenure to teamwork and the collective commitment of those who worked alongside him.
He also expressed appreciation for the relationships and friendships established over the years, noting that service to the university extended beyond official duties to include enduring personal and professional bonds.
The former Deputy Vice-Chancellor thanked the Vice-Chancellor, University Management and the End-of-Tenure Planning Committee for the recognition. He expressed confidence in the university’s continued advancement in teaching, research, administration and community development.
He wished the university leadership and staff continued wisdom, strength and success, describing the ceremony as a memorable conclusion to an important chapter of his service.
Similarly, Dr Harry described her tenure as Registrar as a significant chapter in her professional journey and expressed gratitude for the recognition.
She acknowledged the support of the Vice-Chancellor, University Management, colleagues in the Registry, other Principal Officers and members of staff. She emphasised that effective university administration depended on diligence, integrity, teamwork and a shared sense of responsibility.
The former Registrar attributed the achievements recorded during her tenure to collective effort and appreciated those who provided guidance, support and cooperation in the discharge of administrative responsibilities.
She also thanked the End-of-Tenure Planning Committee and the university community for the goodwill messages, gifts and support. Expressing optimism about the institution’s future, she wished RSU continued growth, stability and greater accomplishments.
Dr Harry looked forward to the next phase of her journey with gratitude for the experience, relationships and lessons gained during her years of service.
The ceremony featured goodwill messages from the families of the honourees, unions and associations, the Faculty of Science, the Registry, the Committee of Provosts and Deans, and the university’s Principal Officers.
Other highlights included a special performance by the University Mass Choir, a presentation by the Department of Theatre and Film Studies, a toast, cake-cutting and the presentation of gifts to the honourees.
By: Akujobi Amadi
A severe shortage of certified teachers in northern primary and secondary classrooms took centre stage as 3,555 graduates passed out from the Federal College of Education, Yola, Adamawa State.
Professor Kaletapwa Farauta Adamawa state deputy governor, made the disclosure on behalf of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri on Saturday, 24 October 2026, during the combined convocation ceremony in Yola.
She called on the federal government to convert the institution into a full-fledged Federal University of Education to bridge northern Nigeria’s growing teacher gap.
Speaking on state educational reforms, she highlighted Adamawa’s implementation of a new teacher deployment policy designed to retain qualified educators in rural schools.
“We have implemented the Adamawa State Teacher Recruitment, Deployment, and Retention Policy to revamp the structure and meet 21st-century goals,” she noted.
Provost Dr Mohammed Usman Degereji stated that the institution produced 1,818 graduates for the 2024 session and 1,737 for 2025.
He added that over 200 lecturers participated in national and international training programmes to improve academic quality and research standards.
The Ministry of Education, through Dr Uchenna Uba, affirmed federal commitments to educator welfare through the newly introduced Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund.
Highlighting the personal human cost of academic success, the overall best graduand, Mr Ndazimson Paul, recounted the intense personal discipline required to top his graduating class.
“I committed to three hours of daily study in the library alongside support from my parents to achieve a 4.65 CGPA,” Paul said.
Northern Nigeria continues to face an acute deficit of certified basic education teachers, exacerbated by population growth and rural flight. The appeal to upgrade the Federal College of Education, Yola, aligns with ongoing regional efforts to grant degree-awarding autonomy to specialised tertiary institutions to boost professional teacher output.
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