…As acting VC warns students to shun drugs, cultism
Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri (AIFUE) has matriculated 2,412 new students, comprising 2,370 Bachelor’s degree and 42 professional Diploma in education students.
This milestone event marked the university’s first matriculation ceremony since the Federal Government upgraded the college to a full-fledged University of Education in 2023.
Speaking at the ceremony, Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. A.C Onyeka emphasized the university’s commitment to revolutionizing teacher education.
He highlighted AIFUE’s focus on integrating innovation, research, and global best practices in pedagogy to produce world-class educators.
“Our mission is clear: to nurture individuals who will not only teach but also inspire, lead, and drive positive change in the educational sector and beyond.”
He said that the establishment of AIFUE reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening teacher education as a foundation for national development.
“Education is the key to shaping minds fostering creativity, and building a progressive and prosperous society. At AIFUE, we are committed to ensuring that every student who passes through our institution is equipped with the knowledge, the skills, and the values needed to contribute meaningfully to national and global development.”
He urged the matriculants to approach the matriculation oath with gravity, recognizing it as a solemn pledge to uphold the university’s rules and regulations throughout their academic journey.
He said that student involved in fraudulent activities such as forging university documents, falsifying academic records, identity theft, and engaging in financial scams will face legal consequences and permanent expulsion from the university.
“All students are expected to uphold the highest standards of discipline, integrity, and responsibility. Violations of university regulations will not be tolerated, and disciplinary actions including legal consequences and expulsion will be enforced to maintain order and protect the academic community.”
He said being offered the opportunity to study at Alvan Ikoku Federal University was not just a privilege but a responsibility given to each student to grow into knowledgeable professionals and ethical citizens who will contribute meaningfully to society.
The Council made the appointment at their inaugural meeting in the institution on Thursday, following her recommendation by the University Senate. The appointment is with immediate effect.
In a letter signed by the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of Council, Sen. Dr. Joy Emodi (CON) dated July 25, 2024, the Council congratulated Prof. Lemchi on her appointment.
This development comes as the University continues to build on its recent upgrade from a College of Education to a university.
Dr. Emodi emphasised the importance of cooperation between the council, university, and host communities.
She urged for a tripartite relationship, stating that success would come through collective effort.
Prof. Stella Lemchi is a Professor of Home Economics Education and a former Provost of the erstwhile College of Education.
Before her appointment, Prof Lemchi had been overseeing the institution’s affairs since its upgrade last year as the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration).
Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, has transformed remarkably since its upgrade into a full-fledged university. CHRIS NJOKU reports on the university’s remarkable progress, including infrastructure upgrades, staff promotions and enhanced student experiences, as it prepares to admit its first freshmen as a full-fledged university
The newly renovated hostels at Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, stand as a beacon of progress and promise. Gleaming tiles, freshly painted walls and sturdy iron protectors on the windows now characterise what were once dreary and dilapidated buildings. The transformation is more than aesthetic; it represents a profound commitment to student welfare and academic excellence.
This revitalisation effort follows the Federal Government’s upgrade of Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education to a University of Education. At the helm of this transition was Professor Stella Lemchi, who served as the Provost of the College before the upgrade. As the second female Provost in the institution’s sixty-year history, and later as the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Lemchi spearheaded the renovation of some of the oldest student hostels, ensuring that the Federal Government’s revitalisation funds were used effectively. Hostel G, a male hostel, and Hostel D, a female hostel, were among the first to receive extensive upgrades. These renovations included tiling the floors, replacing doors in over 200 rooms, installing new windows, and adding iron protectors for enhanced security.
For the students, these changes have been nothing short of transformative. Adaobi Nwosu, a resident of Hostel D, describes the difference: “Before the renovations, living conditions were really tough. The rooms were small and the facilities outdated. Now, it feels like a new place entirely. The rooms are spacious, clean, and much safer.” The journey to these improvements wasn’t easy. The hostels had been in a state of disrepair for years, reflecting a broader issue of underfunding and neglect in the educational sector. The sight of broken windows, peeling paint and unreliable utilities was a daily reality for students. The dilapidated state of the hostels posed significant challenges, impacting students’ academic performance and overall well-being.
Prof. Lemchi, reflecting on the challenges faced when she first took on the role of Provost, recalls, “The state of the hostels was a major concern. Students deserve a decent place to live, where they can focus on their studies without worrying about their living conditions.” The renovation of the hostels has had a ripple effect throughout the university. It has not only improved the living conditions of the students but has also boosted morale and fostered a sense of pride in the institution. Dr. Emmanuel Okechukwu, a senior lecturer in the Education Department, observes, “The renovated hostels have significantly boosted the morale of both students and staff. When students are happy and comfortable, it positively impacts their learning and overall university experience.”
Moreover, the successful renovation of the hostels has set a precedent for future projects. The university administration, inspired by the impact of these changes, is now looking into further infrastructural improvements and academic initiatives. The aim is to create an environment conducive to learning and personal growth, where students can thrive academically and socially. The story of Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education’s transformation is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about the dedication and vision of leaders like Prof Stella Lemchi, who have worked tirelessly to ensure that students receive the best possible education and support. Her leadership during the critical transition period was instrumental in leveraging government funds to bring about tangible improvements in the university’s infrastructure.
The students’ response to these changes has been overwhelmingly positive. Chike, a second-year Education major, expresses his gratitude, saying, “It’s inspiring to see how much the university cares about our well-being. It makes us want to work harder and make the most of our time here.” As Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education continues to grow and evolve, the renovated hostels stand as a symbol of what can be achieved with visionary leadership and collaborative effort. They are a testament to the university’s commitment to providing a nurturing environment where students can excel. Prof Lemchi, with her eyes firmly set on the future, is already looking at the next set of challenges and opportunities. “This is just the beginning. There is still much work to be done, but I am confident that we are on the right path. I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved here,” she says, beaming with pride. “The renovations have completely transformed the hostels, and the students love the new facilities.”
Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, has a rich history that dates back to 1964 when it was established as the Federal Advanced Teachers’ College. In 1983, it was upgraded to a College of Education, and in 2019, it was transformed into a University of Education. Throughout its various stages of growth, the institution has remained committed to producing high-quality teachers and educators. As she walks through the campus during her inspection tour of the facilities at the university, Prof Stella Lemchi knows that there is still much work to be done. However, she is confident that, with her team, she can achieve anything. Her smile and sparkling eyes reflect a sense of purpose and passion, knowing that she is making a difference in the lives of those around her. “We’ve come a long way, but we’re not done yet,” she says, her voice filled with determination. “We’re committed to excellence and we won’t stop until we achieve it.”
Prof Lemchi’s academic journey began with a Federal Government scholarship to study at the Federal Government College, Okigwe. She later received the Arthur Nzeribe Scholarship for Undergraduates of Imo State and the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) Award for Thesis Writing for Post-Graduate Studies. Her research interests in textiles and clothing, entrepreneurship and skills acquisition, curriculum development and home economics education policies have led to over 75 remarkable articles in reputable journals, books and book chapters. “I’ve always been passionate about education and making a difference in the lives of my students,” she told The Nation, reflecting on her academic journey. “I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, and I’m committed to paying it forward.”
Engagements with NUC and admission into AIFUE
Prof Lemchi’s robust engagements with the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Federal Ministry of Education have yielded significant results. Her efforts culminated in a recent visit by a 37-member team from the NUC to the university for resource verification of proposed programmes. The panellists commended Professor Lemchi for her tremendous infrastructural transformations, upgrade of facilities and equipment, effective organisational structure, enviable leadership skills, robust human relations, and willingness to take feedback. This visit from the NUC is a testament to her commitment to elevating the university’s standards and ensuring that it meets all necessary requirements for academic excellence. The successful resource verification is a critical step towards launching new programs that will expand the university’s offerings and enhance its reputation.
During the 2023/2024 Matriculation ceremony, Prof Lemchi, in her capacity as Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor, highlighted a pivotal moment in the institution’s history. “For over 40 years, our institution had collaborated with the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) to admit and produce Bachelor of Education graduates. However, with our recent upgrade to a University of Education, this batch of freshmen becomes the last matriculants in affiliation with UNN,” she announced.
She further revealed, “It is, therefore, expected that in the next academic session, the Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, will admit its first set of freshmen as a University.” This significant shift marks the beginning of a new era for AIFUE, positioning it as an independent institution capable of admitting and training students under its own auspices. The transition from a College of Education affiliated with UNN to a standalone University of Education underscores the institution’s growth and readiness to independently confer degrees. This change promises to bring about new opportunities and challenges, but with Prof Lemchi at the helm, the university is poised to navigate this transition smoothly. The move is expected to attract more students and further enhance the university’s academic standing.
These developments highlight Lemchi’s leadership and vision in driving the university forward. Her proactive engagements with regulatory bodies and strategic planning have set the stage for Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education to become a leading institution in the field of teacher education. But her leadership at Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, is not just about infrastructural achievements and academic advancements; it is deeply rooted in what students and staff members call her genuine concern for people. Her dedication to her students and staff is evident in her open-door policy, where she is always ready to listen and address their concerns. This heartfelt approach has fostered a community spirit within the university that transcends mere administrative duties.“I’m a people person, and I care deeply about the well-being of our students and members of staff,” she said, smiling warmly. “I want to make a positive impact on their lives and help them achieve their full potential.” Her commitment to excellence is both inspiring and palpable. As she walks through the campus, she is frequently stopped by students and staff who express their gratitude for her compassionate leadership and visionary approach. She listens attentively, offering words of encouragement and support, reinforcing her role as not just an administrator but as a mentor and friend. “I’m proud to be part of this community,” she said, her eyes shining with pride. “We’re a family, and we work together to achieve greatness.”
The personal touch she brings to her leadership style has made a profound impact on the university’s culture. Under her guidance, there is a palpable sense of unity and shared purpose among the university’s members. Her ability to connect with people on a personal level has not only improved morale but has also driven collective efforts towards achieving the university’s goals. Her transformative leadership has significantly impacted Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri. Her unwavering commitment to excellence, staff welfare, student development, and infrastructural growth has positioned the institution for enduring greatness. By leading with both vision and heart, she has created an environment where students and staff alike feel valued and motivated to contribute to the university’s success.
The former provost of the college, who is now the acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC), Dr. Stella Lemchi, disclosed this to reporters.
She said: “This is to inform you of the current reality and status of our institution, formerly known as Alvan Ikoku College of Education, and now Alvan Ikoku University of Education, Owerri.”
The DVC thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the policy of his administration to ensure that the journey started 60 years ago came to reality.
She expressed the institution’s gratitude to Governor Hope Uzodimma.
On the history of the institution, Lemchi said: “The journey that recently culminated in the upgrade of our institution started in 1963, when, on the recommendation of the Ashby Commission, the institution was established as Advanced Teacher Training College, Owerri under the auspices of UNESCO on behalf of the United Nations (Special Funds), and Federal Government of Nigeria.
“The college was established as one of the four projects aimed at expanding facilities for the training of secondary school teachers in Nigeria, which envisaged one federal training college at the national level in Lagos, and three colleges to serve the Eastern, Western and Northern regions.
“The Government of East Central State of Nigeria, by Edict No. 11 of May 31, 1973 upgraded the Advanced Teacher Training College Owerri to the status of a full-fledged College of Education named in honour of the great educationist, Alvan Ikoku, a former leader of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and proprietor of the first indigenous privately-owned secondary school in Nigeria.
The Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri, Imo State has inaugurated its 12th Provost, Dr Dan Anyanwu.
At the event, Prof Josephat Ogbuagu, a former Provost of Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze, Anambra State, expressed delight over what he described as “smooth transition”.
He praised the staff and students for their support to the former Provost, Prof Blessing Ijioma, and urged them to extend same support to Anyanwu.
He added that the event marked the end of a glorious era and the inauguration of transformation in the institution.
Ogbuagu said: “Nigeria needs our collective efforts to move forward, live her full potential, to become a better society, to achieve sustainable development with the rest of the world and become a home the future generation would be proud of. We will continue to pray that the labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain.
“For us in Teacher education, the talk has always been quality education, sustainable education and functional education. When you look at the world in general, you will agree with me that developed countries of the world thrive on quality education. Quality education is a pillar of development, a key to industrialisation and societal growth in any nation. To achieve quality education is a task before all of us. It demands selfless contribution, mutual cooperation/working together as a team.”
The College Council led by the Chairman, Alex-Hart A, an architect, said the process that produced Anyanwu had been widely accepted as fair and transparent.
He expressed confidence that the new Provost would bring the college community together as one family in their giant collective step towards the repositioning of the institution.
In her valedictory speech, Prof Ijioma thanked God for granting her a successful tenure. She thanked the staff and students of the College for their prayers and support throughout her administration. She also listed out her achievements while praying God to see her successor through.
In his remarks, Anyanwu said with the cooperation of staff and students, his administration would take the college to enviable heights through academic excellence and staff development.
“I will build on the legacies of my predecessors in AIFCE and with your cooperation together we will take the college to an enviable height,” he said.
Total loans secured by commercial banks from the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN, stood at N27.46 trillion in six months, the CBN’s half year report on financial sector performances released on Tuesday has shown.
The2017 half-year Financial Markets Activity Report, said loans came in the form of Standing Lending Facility (SLF), including the Intra-day Lending Facilities (ILF). The standing facilities were accessed by the banks to enable them either meet their short-term liquidity needs or place their surpluses. The rates for SDF and SLF remained at nine and 16 per cent, respectively.
The report said the SLF was utilised by the banks in order to enable them square up their positions after inter-bank market trading hours. It said of the total SLF granted in the review period, N20.62 trillion was conversion from unsettled ILF.
The SLF is an overnight CBN credit available on banking days between 2 pm and 3.30 pm, with settlement done on same day value. Funds were sourced mainly from time, savings and foreign currency deposits, as well as accretion to unclassified assets. The funds were used, largely, to extend credit to the private sector and payment of claims on demand deposit.
According to the report, signed by CBN Director, Financial Markets Department, Alvan Ikoku, said the banks continued to access the CBN’s Standing Facilities window to square up their positions either by borrowing from the SLF window or depositing excess reserves at the standing deposit facility (SDF) window of the CBN at the end of each business day.
The report said the SLF was utilised by the banks in order to enable them square up their positions after inter-bank market trading hours. It said the patronage of the facility reflected the liquidity position during the first half of the year, as requests were at its lowest on January 2, 2017 with N83.61 billion and at its highest on April 18, 2017 with N478.54 billion.
“In view of the 122 transaction days within the period, average daily request amounted to N225.14 billion. Consequently, the cumulative interest received on the facilities was N21.13 billion at 16.00 per cent. In comparison with the corresponding period of the previous year, total SLF transactions amounted to N5.07 trillion, out of which N4.87 trillion was conversion from ILF.
It said the average daily request stood at N59.76 billion, while the cumulative interest received on the facilities was N2.92 billion at the applicable rates of 13.00 and 14.00 per cent. The higher level of transactions over the corresponding period in 2016 was occasioned by the tight monetary operations in 2017.
The CBN report said patronage of the SDF reflected the liquidity unease in the system as less funds were deposited compared with the corresponding period of the preceding year.
“The reduced patronage was due to tighter monetary operations through increased Open Market Operation (OMO) auctions. The foreign exchange interventions, in addition, moderated the cash balances in the banking system. The restriction of N7.50 billion maximum remunerable SDF per bank remained applicable.
The total request for SDF in the review period was N5.1 trillion, indicating a daily average volume of N45.54 billion as against a total SDF of N12.69 trillion and daily average of N102.42 billion in the corresponding period of 2016.
Further analysis of the transactions indicated that the highest amount of SDF was N121.50 billion on February 2, while the lowest was N0.30 billion on March 20.
Consequently, the interest paid on SDF amounted to N1.99 billion at the rate of 9.00 per cent in the first half of 2017, as against N2.84 billion at 4.00 per cent from January 1 to March 21 and 7.00 per cent from March 22 to June 30, 2016.
It said the total value of transactions in the funds market stood at N864.93 billion in the first half of 2017, as against N513.11 billion in the corresponding period of 2016. The high level of activity in the review period was attributable to liquidity squeeze occasioned by tight monetary operations.
Further analysis of the transactions indicated that open-buy-back (OBB) accounted for 89.42 per cent at N773.42 billion, while the unsecured recorded 10.58 per cent at N91.51 billion.
In the preceding year, OBB accounted for less at N203.54 billion or 39.67 per cent compared to the unsecured segment which recorded N309.57 billion or 60.33 per cent. The shift in patronage in favour of OBB in the review period was attributable largely to greater risk aversion by market participants.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Wednesday arraigned one Blessing Njoku in an FCT High Court in Maitama for allegedly forging a National Certificate of Education (NCE).
Njoku, a civil servant with the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) in Abuja, was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on deceit and forgery.
The Prosecuting Counsel, Mr Suleiman Abdulkareem, told the court that the defendant sometimes in 2015 in Abuja deceived the Executive Secretary of the directorate that she was a holder of a NCE.
Abdulkareem told the court that the defendant claimed to have been a student of Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri, between 2006 and 2009.
The defendant, he added, claimed to have graduated with a credit grade in Business Education, adding that she forged the school’s statement of result to support her claims.
The prosecutor said that the offences were contrary to Sections 25 (1) (a) of the Corrupt Practice and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and 363 of the Penal Code.
She, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Mr Samuel Oche, the Defence Counsel, filed an oral application for bail, arguing that the offences were bailable.
The prosecutor did not oppose the application, as according to him, granting of bail was the exclusive prerogative of the judge.
Justice Sunday Aladetoyinbo admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N500, 000 and one surety in like sum.
The judge also ordered that the surety must be a senior civil servant resident in the Federal Capital Territory.
Aladetoyinbo fixed May 2 for the commencement of trial.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed authorised dealers to encourage corporate clients to join the FMDQ system for forex trading.
The bank gave the directive in a circular issued by CBN Director, Financial Markets Department, Dr Alvan Ikoku. It said that the directive took immediate effect.
The CBN advised the dealers to allow the corporate clients to on-board the FMDQ foreign exchange trading system immediately, to avoid sanctions.
It said that the development would help foster speedy migration of the activities of Investors and Exporters foreign exchange window into the FX FMDQ trading system.
The bank said it would ensure that the objective of deepening the market was achieved.
According to the apex bank, the directive is a further step in its effort to develop the foreign exchange market.
“The CBN, in its efforts to further develop the Nigerian FX market, continues to embark on initiatives that serve to improve the FX market structure.”
The bank added that it would continue to embark on initiatives that serve to improve the market structure.
It said that dealers at the inter-bank market might decrease their excess foreign currency trading positions to counterparts without seeking prior approval from the CBN.
The bank warned that funds purchased by a dealer from another in the inter-bank market should not be held in position overnight by the buying dealer or sold to another.
The apex bank ordered that dealers should not exceed their respective Foreign Currency Trading Position Limit [FCTPL] without the CBN’s approval, while its compliance would be monitored.
It said that all inter-bank trades such as spot, forwards, futures, options and swaps that had impact on a dealer’s FCTPL, were expected to comply with rate reasonability standards.
Twenty persons, including students and passersby, were injured yesterday when students of Alvan Ikoku Federal Collage of Education (AICE) in Owerri, the Imo State capital, protested a hike in their tuition fees.
Six vehicles on the campus were damaged in the melee.
The students, who barricaded Orlu Road and disrupted vehicular movements, caused a gridlock on the road.
The school’s management has shut down the college indefinitely.
The college Provost, Dr. Blessing Ijeoma, who confirmed the closure, said nine government vehicles were vandalised during the protest.
She said: “We have approved an indefinite closure of AICE, following students’ protest and we have directed that every student should vacate the school premises.”
Some of the students told reporters that the school management increased the fees from N10,000 to N30,000 without consulting them.
The protesters said the tuition fee was equally hiked from N30,000 to N70,000.
They said the protest was meant to make the management feel the students’ plight.
But the provost dismissed the students’ claim, saying they should have restrained themselves from such a destructive protest.
Dr Ijeoma said: “Hoodlums from the area seized the opportunity to cart away school property, including the computers at the ICT centre.”
The Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education Owerri, Imo State, has been upgraded to a degree awarding institution.
Students and management officers, including the Provost, Dr. Blessing Ijeoma, praised the federal government for granting the age-long prayer of the college community.
Dr. Ijeoma, an Associate Professor, said the college has in its 34-years as an affiliate of the University of Nigeria (UNN), built the requisite experience and manpower to run as a degree awarding institution.
“In the last 25 years, we have desired autonomy to be a degree awarding institution. We have been doing it in affiliation with the UNN but now we can stand on our own. It is indeed a dream come true,” she said.
The Chairman of the College of Education Staff Union (COESU), Ukachi Wachukwu, commending the Minister of Education, Ibrahim Shekarau for the upgrade said the Union is confident that Ijeoma would run the institution well.”
