Education

Japan Hands Over 317 Classrooms To Nigeria

Published

13 years ago

January 14, 2013

The Japanese government Thursday in Abuja handed over to the Federal Government 317 classrooms aimed at strengthening mathematics and science education in the country. The classrooms, including 308 toilet booths equipped with furniture, were constructed in 33 primary schools across 22 local government areas of Kano State by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, acknowledged Japan’s assistance and support to overcome the myriad of challenges facing the country’s education sector. According to him, the Federal Government was committed to ensuring quality education. He said the concerted effort of all stakeholders was crucial to achieving the goal.

Wike said that the project would contribute significantly to improving access to basic education as well as strengthen the teaching and learning of mathematics and science education.

He said, “It is another important contribution of JICA towards improving the teaching and learning of mathematics and science subjects across the basic education system in the entire country.”

The Minister noted that Niger, Plateau and Kaduna had benefitted from the initiative in the past. Wike assured JICA that the Ministry of Education would ensure that the classrooms were put to effective use to achieve the purpose for which they were provided. “Let me also challenge the beneficiary communities to make good use of this opportunity by ensuring that every child of school age is enrolled to attend any public school nearest to them,” Wike said.

Handing over the project, Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, Mr Ryuichi Shoji described education as an invaluable asset for children. He said that N2.31 billion was expended in the construction of the project.

Shoji said that investing in people was crucial for the economic development of a country and the emancipation of each individual. He also announced plans by Japan to provide classrooms for 5,000 pupils in the FCT this year.

“It will be achieved in collaboration with the local Non-Governmental Organisations.” Chief Representative of JICA, Mr Seki Tetsuo, said that the project constitutes part of the Government of Japan’s Grant Aid to Nigeria. He said that the project commenced in June 2010, with the overall goal of constructing additional classrooms and toilets. Tetsuo said the effort would enable more children to attend school in a suitable and conducive environment. “It is expected that approximately 12,680 pupils will benefit from these facilities,” he said. He added that innovative engineering techniques originating from Japan were employed with regard to roofing, doors and windows, to ensure durability of the buildings. Tetsuo called on State Universal Basic Education Boards and Local Government Education Authorities responsible for overseeing the schools to improve the system of monitoring and maintaining the facilities.

“This project is envisaged to help reduce the problem of congestion in primary schools and encourage pupils, particularly girls, to attend school regularly,” Tetsuo said. The Governor of Kano state, Dr Musa Kwankwaso, commended the Japanese government for complementing the state’s efforts in improving primary education in the state.

Kwankwaso, who was represented by Ahmed, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Kano, Mr Tajudee Ahmed pledged the judicious use and maintenance of the facilities.

Education

Uniport Appoints Prof. Princewill R. Chike as 10th Vice-Chancellor

Published

2 weeks ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

The Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt has approved the appointment of Professor Princewill R. Chike as the 10th Vice-Chancellor of the University.

Prof. Chike, a former Commissioner for Health in Rivers State, will succeed Prof. Georgewill Owunari whose tenure ends on July 13, 2026.

A statement signed by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Sam Kpenu and made available to _The Tide_, said the appointment was made by the 17th Governing Council following the successful conclusion of the selection process.

“The process was conducted in strict compliance with the provisions of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act and the University of Port Harcourt Act,” the statement read.

It added that the process involved the constitution of a Search Team and a Joint Council-Senate Selection Board. Both bodies carried out their responsibilities in accordance with extant laws and regulations governing the appointment of Vice-Chancellors in Nigerian universities.

According to the statement, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, congratulated Professor Chike on his appointment.

Senator Ohuabunwa expressed confidence in Prof. Chike’s ability to provide visionary leadership for the continued growth and development of the University.

Professor Princewill R. Chike is expected to formally assume office as the 10th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt on July 13, 2026.

By: Akujobi Amadi

Education

Education commissioner Commends WAEC Conduct in Rivers ,, Vows Sanctions for Malpractice

Published

2 weeks ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, has commended the orderly conduct of the ongoing 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination in the state and urged schools to sustain the standard.

Dr. Nwagor gave the commendation recently during a monitoring tour of selected secondary schools in Port Harcourt and environs where the WAEC exam is ongoing.

The commissioner, who was accompanied by directors and monitors from the Ministry of Education, said he was impressed with the peaceful atmosphere at the centres visited.

“The students conducted themselves properly and wrote their papers under conducive conditions. Invigilators and supervisors also performed their duties professionally,” he stated.

Nwagor noted that the Rivers State Government had invested heavily to ensure the smooth and credible conduct of the examination across the state

He urged candidates to reciprocate government’s effort by shunning all forms of examination malpractice and focusing on their studies.

“Government has done so much to ensure successful examinations in our schools. Students should take advantage of it by remaining focused,” the commissioner said.

While no case of malpractice was recorded in the centres inspected, Dr. Nwagor warned that any principal, teacher, invigilator, or official caught aiding malpractice would face strict sanctions in line with regulations.

He also commended school administrators, teachers, WAEC officials, and security personnel for upholding the integrity of the process. Centres visited included County Grammar School, Ikwerre/Etche; Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borokiri; Government Secondary School, Borokiri; and Pabod Model Secondary School.

By: Akujobi Amadi

Education

RSU Law Professor Calls for Periodic Review of Nigeria’s Criminal Laws

Published

2 weeks ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

A Professor of Criminal Justice and Law at the Faculty of Law, Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwu, Port Harcourt, Prof. Clifford Anaele Nwanyanwu, has advocated for periodic review of the nation’s criminal justice administration laws to reflect current societal needs and challenges.

Prof. Nwanyanwu noted that many of the criminal justice laws in use today date back to the pre-colonial era. He questioned their efficiency in addressing modern criminal justice administration, adding that the complex nature of adjudication often allows crime to thrive.

He made the call while delivering the university’s 132nd Inaugural Lecture on Wednesday at the Senate Conference Auditorium titled: “Society as Criminal Enterprise: Unravelling a Complex Justice System.”

The erudite legal scholar clarified that the lecture was not meant to condemn the country’s justice system. Instead, he said it was intended to highlight areas that require urgent attention.

He expressed concern that criminal justice practice in Nigeria is more dysfunctional than functional, and stressed that he wants to see a system that works effectively for all citizens.

“The essence of criminal justice administration is due process, and anything contrary is not it. Plea bargains help to fast-track trial processes and reduce delays,” he stated.

However, Prof. Nwanyanwu expressed worry that the sums recovered through plea bargain arrangements are often meagre compared to the wealth looted, noting that this contradicts the purpose of the arrangement.

To strengthen the system, he recommended merit-based recruitment of judicial officers with proven character and integrity. He also called for adequate funding, infrastructure development, removal of political interference, and ethical reorientation within the judiciary.

The law professor further recommended that the state should pay compensation to citizens when security officers are found culpable for arbitrary killings, in line with the principle of vicarious liability.

In his remarks, Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, commended the lecturer. He described the lecture as timely and relevant to addressing the nagging challenges of crime in society.

Prof. Zeb-Obipi expressed concern over the justice system’s inability to curb the rising rate of criminal activities in the state. He added that through inaugural lectures, the university continues to provide solution-based approaches to societal challenges.

Our correspondent reports that the thought-provoking lecture was attended by stakeholders in the judicial system, judges, magistrates, scholars, and members of the university community.

By: Akujobi Amadi