Education

National e-Library Bill Passes Second Reading

Published

10 years ago

October 31, 2016

A bill seeking to amend
the National Library Act 2004 to establish a national e-library in the country passed second reading at the House of Representatives last Thursday in Abuja.
The Bill was jointly sponsored by the Deputy Minority Leader, Rep. Chukwuka Onyema, Rep. Oladipupo Adebutu and Rep. Zakari Mohammed.
Leading the debate on the Bill, Zakari Mohammed, who expressed concern over difficulties experienced by scholars in accessing books and periodicals, said establishing a national e-library would bridge the gap in teaching and research in the country’s education sector.
He added that the need to bridge the gap necessitated the amendment of the National Library Act 2004.
The bill seeking to amend the National Library Act intends to specify the tenure of office of the Director.
It also intends to rename the National Library as Chinua Achebe National Library and prescribe stiffer penalties for breach of its provisions.
In her contribution, Rep. Ayo Omidiran (Osun) described library as one of the most important places to engage youth in meaningful activities.
She said “libraries today have become a no go area for our youth.
“In the past, if anyone doesn’t go to the library, you know that the parents are not up and doing.”
Omidiran called on federal and state governments to ensure that they have functional libraries to encourage learning among youth in the country.
She added that “in those days, libraries were well stuffed, we need to make our libraries more functional.”
Meanwhile, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, had referred the Bill to the Committee on Basic Education Services.

Education

UNIPort Senate Grants Two-Year Amnesty to U2010–U2018 Students

Published

8 hours ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Senate of the University of Port Harcourt Rivers state has approved a special two-year amnesty for students admitted between the 2010/2011 and 2018/2019 academic sessions who were unable to complete their programmes within the stipulated period.

This was contained in a statement by the university public relations officer,Dr Sammy Kpenu and made available to the tide over the weekend in port Harcourt.

The statement stated that eligible students are expected to submit formal applications addressed to the Vice Chancellor through their respective Heads of Department for review and necessary consideration.

The statement further stated that the approval provides a renewed opportunity for affected students to return, regularize their academic status, and successfully complete their studies.

According to the statement the amnesty also offers a fresh opportunity to students who had issues related to overstaying or other challenges that forced them to discontinue their programmes, to return and complete their academic pursuits.

The statement however said that the deadline for submission of applications end on 31st May, 2026 and therefore urge the affected students to take full advantage of the window the amnesty provided to realise their academic dreams.

Education

Education Commissioner Seeks media collaboration in Rivers

Published

8 hours ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The River State Commissioner for Education, Dr Peters Nwagor has called on media practitioners in Rivers State to deploy their various communication platforms toward promoting government programmes and policies aimed at achieving sustainable development in the education sector. Dr. Nwagor made the appeal when members of the Etche Ethnic Practicing Journalists (EEPJ) paid him a courtesy visit in Office in Port Harcourt. The Commissioner emphasized the strategic role of the media in shaping public perception, promoting government initiatives, and supporting policies capable of improving the quality of education and human capital development in the state. According to him, constructive media engagement remains essential in creating public awareness on educational reforms, students’ welfare, infrastructural improvements, and other interventions being implemented by the state government. Speaking on the recent appro

Education

“FPOG Bonny Deepens Learning With Hands-On Expedition to NLNG Nature Park”

Published

3 weeks ago

April 27, 2026

The Tide

Academic expeditions and excursions take learning beyond the classroom, fostering personal growth, cultural understanding, and hands-on engagement with history, science, and nature. For the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny, such outings are a strategic tool for bridging theory with practice.

On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the Department of Science Laboratory Technology led students on an academic excursion to the NLNG Nature Park in Bonny. The team was led by the Head of Unit, Elizabeth Jumbo, alongside Ikor Peter, Usman Thaha, and Elekwachi Progress. The trip was designed to connect classroom instruction with real-life experiences.

According to the department, the excursion sought to deepen learning by linking theoretical knowledge with tangible, real-world exposure. The exercise also aimed to enhance student engagement and retention while promoting social-emotional skills such as collaboration and empathy. It further catered to diverse learning styles among the students.

Academic excursions offer clear benefits. Abstract concepts become concrete when students encounter them firsthand. A history lesson comes alive in a museum, while scientific principles are better understood in natural settings. Such interactive experiences are often more memorable than text-based learning alone.

The outings also build critical soft skills. Trips foster self-confidence, teamwork, communication, and resilience. They broaden cultural awareness and perspective by exposing students to new environments and ideas. For many, the experience sparks curiosity, promotes empathy, and can even influence future career paths.

At its core, the goal is to make learning personal, relevant, and interactive. The Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny says it is committed to providing a compass to academic excellence through active learning, consistent organization, and holistic student well-being. The SLT excursion reflects that approach in action.