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Pro-Chancellors Committee Plan Seminar On Varsity Funding
The Committee of Pro-Chancellors of Universities yesterday announced plans to organise a major international seminar to enhance funding and running of the university system in Nigeria.
The Chairman of the Committee, Dr Wale Babalakin, disclosed this in a chat with newsmen in Abuja.
It was at the end of a meeting of the Implementation Monitoring Committee (IMC) of the 2009 agreement between the Federal Government and university unions.
He expressed optimism that the seminar would go a long way in upgrading the efficiency and good corporate ethics of university administrators.
“The committee of pro-chancellors which I have chaired for the last three years is organising a major international seminar on the funding of university education and the running of the system.
“After this, we will see that there is a more determined effort to ensure that universities are run properly and as first class institutions,” he said.
Babalakin urged the university administrators to consider their appointment as a call to service in a sector critical to national development and not as a political appointment.
He advised the university administrators to comply strictly with the Acts of Parliament establishing universities to encourage genuine sponsorship of educational progrmmes in the institutions.
“University administration is not a political appointment and should not be at all. It should be seen as a call for national service.
“Once you do that, you will find more people who are genuinely interested in furthering education in helm of affairs.
“The system should stop classifying university pro-chancellors as political appointees,” he stressed.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education, Sen. Uche Chukwumerije, commended the effort of the IMC which comprises Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Committee of Vice Chancellors.
Chukwumerije said that the effort of the Babalakin-led IMC was instrumental to the stability being enjoyed in the Nigerian university in recent times.
“The IMC has done very well and has really helped to bring peace and stability to the system. We are committed to resolving these issues without confrontation.
“The most thorny for IMC now is the issue of earned academic allowances and this is the main issue that we are going to give priority now,” he said.
The Secretary General, Committee of Vice Chancellors, Prof. Michael Faborode also hailed the contribution of the IMC to the ongoing efforts to resolve the ASUU/FG disagreement.
“I think IMC has been very useful and very instrumental in the current stability that we are witnessing in the university system.
“One outstanding issue that we are tackling today is the issue of earned allowances because we do not want the universities to be restive again.
“This stability that we’ve had for some time, we want to preserve it so that we can begin to make progress on the welfare of our tertiary education,” he said.
The National President, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Dr Nasir Fagge, however, expressed worry that IMC submission on earned academic allowances was yet to reach the National Assembly.
He promised that ASUU would sustain discussion with the National Assembly toward ensuring that funds were made available to take care of the earned academic allowances.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol