Connect with us

News

RSUST Expels 588 Students For Poor Performance …Honours Seven For Academic Excellence

Published

on

About 588 students of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, have been forced to withdraw from their various academic programmes because of their inability to meet up the academic standard of the university.
Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Barineme Fakae, disclosed this yesterday at the 32rd matriculation ceremony of the university in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
While welcoming the newly admitted students, the vice chancellor reminded them that hardwork and dedication remained the watchword for academic excellence, stressing that the present administration in the university has zero-tolerance for examination malpractice and other social vices.
Fakae added that the Senate of the university would sanction any erring student found to have been involved in any of the unacceptable practices.
“You are, therefore, advised in your interest to obey the university rules and regulations, shun vices that will tarnish the good image of the university. We do not compromise on standard because our vision and values must continue to be held in high esteem,” the vice chancellor said.
Noting that matriculation ceremonies are rituals to announce formal admission of fresh students, Prof Fakae said “the matriculation oath you have taken today contains ethos and rules of intellectual engagement that will guide your behaviour all through the period of your stay in this university.”
The vice chancellor also explained the path to academic excellence in quality decision, diligence, doggedness, and devotion to God, and advised them to maintain excellence in line with the vision of the institution’s founding fathers.
He said that the institution has over the years developed academic programmes and faculties comparable to those in other countries, and that the onus was on the students to make proper use of both material and human resources at their disposal to their advantage.
Prof Fakae further stressed the need for students to be information and communication technology (ICT) compliant as most businesses were online in the university, noting that “you will recall that you undertook a computerised registration process, which included payment of school fees, clearance and online registration of courses.”
According to him, non-registration as a student at the beginning of every session implies loss of studentship as no score would be imputed for courses that were undertaken without due course registration.
He revealed that out of over 10,000 candidates that applied to RSUST through the Joint Admission and Matriculations Board (JAMB) and went through the University Matriculation Examinations (UME), only 2,955 candidates were found worthy to be admitted within the National Universities Commission (NUC) approved carrying capacity.
Meanwhile, in sustenance of its avowed passion for creativity and excellence, authorities of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, has honoured seven students for academic excellence.
Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Barineme Bekee Fakae, announced this yesterday during the 32rd matriculation ceremony held at the Convocation Arena of the institution in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
The vice chancellor said that those honoured were students who emerged tops in the seven faculties of the university.
Top on the list is Miss Buekor Nyornebari Grace with matriculation number: DE2012/2550 of Applied and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Science, who scored 5.00 as her total 100-level CGPA. This means that Buekor scored A in all her courses in the first year.
Others were Okara Goodtime Chimnecherem with matriculation number: DE 2012/1603 in Public Law Department, who emerged best in the law faculty with 4.93 CGPA score; Okoroma Jeremiah Ifeanyi with matriculation number: DE 2012/1215 of Petroleum Engineering Department, who emerged first in the Faculty of Engineering with the CGPA score of 4.89; as well as Nwogu Prince Chinemerem with matriculation number: DE 2012/1346 of Quantity Surveying Department, who came tops in the Faculty of Environmental Sciences with CGPA score of 4.57.
Also honoured were Okorogu Chikwueabuka with matriculation number: DE 2012/2347 of Department of Accountancy, who came first in the Faculty of Management Sciences with CGPA of 4.33; Onyekwe Josefa Chiderah with matriculation number: DE 2012/0098 of Food Science and Technology, who emerged best in the Faculty of Agriculture with 4.08 CGPA score; as well as Briggs Sandra Opuene with matriculation number: DE 2012/3479 of Science and Technical Education, who emerged tops in the Faculty of Technical and Science Education, with CGPA score of 3.76.
The vice chancellor said those honoured were first year students, who came tops in their faculties.
They were given a laptop each as a way of encouraging them for their academic excellence.
Fakae said the award, which has become an annual ritual, is aimed at encouraging excellence and creativity in their academic pursuits.
He reiterated the fact that in the actualisation of creativity and excellence, the university would continue to encourage outstanding students, and urged the newly admitted students to take their studies seriously.
However, 588 students were asked to Withdraw for Academic Failure (WAF) as the vice chancellor noted that the present administration has zero tolerance for academic laxity.
Prof Fakae urged the new intakes to be diligent in their studies and to shun acts that could smear the good image of RSUST in its pursuit of excellence and creativity, stressing that those found below expectation would be shown the way out of the institution.

 

Accident victim at the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Lagos as Joint Health Workers strike continues in Lagos State, yesterday.

Accident victim at the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Lagos as Joint Health Workers strike continues in Lagos State, yesterday.

Chris Oluoh

Continue Reading

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

on

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.
Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.
The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.
Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.
According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.
The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.
Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.
Continue Reading

News

Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

Published

on

The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.
The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.
This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.
According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”
The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.
“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.
It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.
Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.
“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”
He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.
“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.
Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.
By: Tonye Orabere
Continue Reading

News

PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

Published

on

Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.
Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.
Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.
He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.
“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.
“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.
“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.
Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.
“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.
“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”
At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.
Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.
He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.
Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”
He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.
“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.
The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.
By: Kiadum Edookor
Continue Reading

Trending