Education

Expert Tasks FG On Post-UTME Charges

Published

8 years ago

July 9, 2018

Renowned technologist and Chief Executive Officer of Prime-Cline Holdings Limited, Asaba, Delta State, Dr Clifford Jaja has called on the Federal Government to sanction any tertiary institution that charges more than N2,000 for Post –UTME.
Jaja made the call in an interview with The Tide at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, shortly on arrival from a Technological Submit in Pretoria, South-Africa.
According to the expert, “at the 2017 policy meeting, I suggested that any institution which was interested in conducting any form of post-UTME screening could do so, but that the gross charge for the screening should not be more that N2,000”.
As he put it, “policy meetings would continue to be the forum where the agenda, guidelines, modalities and timelines would be set for the purpose of admission to universities, polytechnics, monotechnices and colleges of education in Nigeria.
He explained that no admission in tertiary institutions should be announced before the policy meeting.
He noted that it is appreciated that the meeting should be held early enough for the commencement of the new academic session.
He said, “The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board should ensure that the policy meeting is now held not later than June every year”.
He said that outside UTME scores, that there were other assessments for consideration before a candidate could gain admission into universities.
Jaja said the marks were just minimum scores, adding that the number of candidates that were involved in examination malpractices in UTME had reduced drastically.
On the dissolution of NABTEB, Dr Jaja called on the Presidency to formally dissolve the board, saying that President Muhammadu Buhari should approve the dissolution of the government of Board of National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB).
He said that the President should also direct the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu to take drastic measures to reposition and re-direct NABTEB for greater efficiency and to render its performance more responsive to the expectations of the present leadership.
He further stated that the purported suspension to the Registrar, Prof Ifeoma Abanihe and four other directors of NABTEB had been nullified as it did not conform with due process, especially on the issue of the registrar.
Jaja maintained that the board went against its powers by contravening Section 5 and Section 6 of NABTEB Act.
It was gathered by The Tide that a special investigative panel was constituted to probe activities of the Registrar of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), Prof-Ifeoma Isuigo-Abanihe and others.
The panel, we learnt allegedly uncovered irregularities in contract awards and abuse of office by the embattled registrar.
According to the report, the registrar and four directors were suspended by the 9th Governing Board of NABTEB at its first regular board meeting held on June 19, 2018 at NABTEB headquarters, Benin City, Edo State, following allegations of N49.7 million fraud.

Bethel Toby

Education

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

Published

2 days 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

2 days 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.