Education
RSUST: Former VC Sues For Unity
For the Rivers State University of Science and Technology to actualise the aspirations of its founding fathers, there is need for stakeholders to work together to bring forth the best in them.
This advice was given Thursday by Emeritus Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof Nimi Briggs.
The University don while delivering the 24th Convocation lecture of the institution in Port Harcourt titled “Fulfilling the Mandate”, identified decay in Nigerian polity, neglect of the institution by its proprietors, poor work ethos of staff and students hooliganism as four major factors militating against the realisation of the university’s teaching, research and community service mandate.
He explained that the premier science and technology university which was founded by the administration of then Governor Chief Melford Okilo of old Rivers State slide and enjoined all hands to be on deck to reposition the institution.
He insisted that the need for which the university was found still remains in the reality of Rivers State of present.
“We can only go in one direction; forward; because the course is right, the time is opportune and the environment, climent. The choice of a university with bias for science and technology as a veritable instrument for the provision of relevant and workable solutions to the peculiar and difficult problems of this part of Nigeria which was identified even in the pre-independence era, remains as compelling in 1980 as it is today”, he said.
In the area of community service, Prof Briggs credited the institution some achievements as successfully carrying out Environment Impact Assessments for a number of projects in the state amongst which are: state masterplan design of flood and erosion control in the Niger Delta, New Finima Town relocation project, reclamation of Okrika Island shore, protection of Sagbama shore from erosion in collaboration with a Dutch company, Zinkon BV survey and the design of Rivers Bank erosion protection of the embarkment in Odi, all before in the mid 1990s.
Remarking however, that the problems confronting the institution were not peculiar to is as it also affects other similar institutions across the nation, the convocation lecturer suggested strong commitment on the part of students and unity of purpose amongst staff.
He particularly commended Governor Chibuike Amaechi for his effort in revamping education at all levels in the state and his administration support and interest to the university which has enabled it to complete a number of abandoned projects and also the reconstruction of a permanent site which according to him would go along way in repositioning the institution.
He lauded the administration of the current Vice Chancellor, Professor Barineme Fakae for introducing Information Technology Centre in the management of the university. “the Jewel on the Crown of the university’s achievement in the area of infrastructure is the establishment of a world class ICT facility which the institution has successfully utilised in streamlining student admissions, university examinations, financial management and of course, in enhancing overall academic activities, he stated.
In his own part, the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Hon Justice Iche Ndu who chaired the occasion emphasised the need for exemplary leadership to enable the institution realise its mandate for the pursuit of excellence, creativity, professionalism innovation and manpower development and deployment and deployment.
Chris Oluoh
Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu has inaugurated the newly constituted Governing Councils of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) and the University of Education and Entrepreneurship (UEE), Akamkpa.
At the ceremony on Thursday in Calabar, the Governor urged the members to drive institutional excellence, ensure accountability, and align with global best practices.
Governor Otu acknowledged that UNICROSS had long suffered from what many perceived as gross neglect, particularly in terms of physical development.
“After a deep thought and consultation, and having considered all available facts and evidence, I am today opening a new chapter in the relationship between government and its institutions of higher education,” the Governor declared.
He emphasised that while his administration is committed to a renewed focus on higher education, this attention must be matched with transparency and responsibility by the universities’ management.
The same expectation, he said, applies to the University of Education and Entrepreneurship in Akamkpa.
Governor Otu stated that the appointments into both councils and management were carefully considered and reflect the state’s finest minds and seasoned professionals.
“I have taken pains in appointing some of the best that the State has in both the Governing Councils and Management of the institutions. I implore you to apply your wealth of experience in making the institutions world-class,” he charged.
He also stressed the importance of respecting the distinct roles of Councils and management, pointing out that most university problems emanate from role conflict or interference. He tasked each of the councils to stick strictly to its clearly defined functions.
The Governor encouraged council members to leverage their networks to attract new sources of funding and value to their institutions.
“Do not limit yourselves to already known threads of resource sources.”, he said.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has announced a 50 percent reduction in tuition fees for all Kaduna State-owned tertiary institutions, describing it as a major step toward removing barriers to higher education.
Speaking through his Principal Private Secretary, Professor Bello Ayuba, at the inauguration of the Kaduna State University Chapter of the Kaduna State Students Union, the Governor said the policy has made it easier for students from low-income backgrounds to pursue university education in the state.
He expressed gratitude to the students for presenting him with the Sword of Honour Award and for recognising the achievements of his administration, which were highlighted during the event’s public lecture.
He promised, “Government will continue to support students and the youth generally to realize their ambitions. On your part, make sure that an atmosphere of peace prevails to allow for government’s development programmes to run their full course.’’
The Governor advised students not to allow agents of disunity and chaos to use them to destabilize their communities and steer them away from their career goals.
Governor Sani reminded the students and lecturers at the event that ‘’no meaningful development can be achieved in a state of chaos, disunity and mutual mistrust.’’
However, he said that ‘’going by your conduct over the period that I have been at the helm of affairs of our state so far, you are reliable partners of progress and I can count on you every step of the way.’’
The governor recalled that Kaduna State was under siege owing to the insecurity in some of the local government areas, which had dire consequences on agricultural and business activities.
He noted that the security challenges have now been drastically reduced owing to the combined commitment of security agencies, resulting in safer high ways, people returning to farms and the opening of local markets.
120 Oldest Secondary Schools in Nigeria
The governor further said that the Birnin Gwari cattle market which had been closed for over 10 years, has been reopened, so have the other markets in security challenged areas in Giwa local government.
The management of Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic,Rumuola, Port Harcourt, Rivers State has admitted 1,882 fresh students to study various courses and programmes for the 2024)2024 academic session.
This announcement was made by the Rector of the polytechnic, Dr Moses Neebee during the 34th matriculation ceremony of the institution held in Port Harcourt over the weekend.
Dr Neebee described convocation as an annual rituals of every institution used to mark the end of admission process, adding that the polytechnic has recorded some academic milestones and achievements.
According to him, the institution recorded 100 percent in the just concluded NABTE accreditation and resources visitation exercise, adding that all the 24 courses presented by the institution during the accreditation were approved including the almighty Diploma in Law.
According to the admission statistics provided by the Rector,1,510 students were admitted for the National Diploma programmes ,while 372 students were offered admission into the Higher National Diploma and part programmes of the polytechnic.
The Rector while congratulating the matriculants urged them to take their studies seriously and ensure that they pass through the institution and as well allow the institution pass through them and not only in learning but also in character.
“ Let me congratulate you all for your successes to scale through the rigorous hurdles of our admission processes. Take advantage of the various technical and entrepreneur skills in the school to equip your self which will make yourselves employed and be better equipped in the society”, he said.
The Rector warned them to desist from any activities that will jeopardise their academic success, stressing that the school has zero tolerance for cultism, examination malpractices, sorting and sexual abuse.
He used the opportunity to thank the state government for the support given to the school especially in the areas of infrastructure development.