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Tag: varsity

  • Varsity gets 600-seat capacity new auditorium

    The new auditorium has lifted the spirits of the university community. With a 600 seating capacity and not bad to look at, staff and students of Abia State University, Uturu know that something good has happened to them and have been celebrating since its inauguration.

    The building was put up, equipped and donated by Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah, the president, Masters Energy and governorship aspirant of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

    The ceremony attracted dignitaries from different parts of the state.

    Speaking at the inauguration, Dr Ogah said he built the structure to improve the environment in which the students and the management carry out their activities.

    He went further to debunk allegations that his gesture was politically motivated.

    “The institution is very dear to us in this state and as a result, it is important that we do everything within our power to make it one of the best in the country.

    “When you check the list of the states in the country, you will find that Abia State comes first. We therefore must keep the flag of the state flying by contributing our best to its development in every area of life.

    “The gesture is not politically motivated. It is one of my little ways of giving back to the society. I am proud to be a citizen of this great state and would not hesitate in contributing to the well being of the people and the society at large.”

    The Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Chibuzor Ogbuagu expressed appreciation to Dr Ogah for his magnanimity, assured that ‘the institution will reciprocate your kind gesture by making good use of the building’.

    The Anglican Bishop of Isiala Ngwa, Dr. Nwaobia, also lauded the donor for his generosity to the people of the state.

    He prayed that God will bless him and wished him success in his endeavours.

  • Pains of a varsity

    Pains of a varsity

    The Plateau State University (PLASU), Bokkos, was established in 2005, but it is yet to produce graduates because of accreditation issues.  Just when the university community thought a level of stability was being achieved, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Danjuma Sheni, was sent packing.  It was one change too many for the eight-year-old university, which has been shepherded by four vice-chancellors, reports YUSUFU AMINU IDEGU.

    Two issues ail the Plateau State University (Bokko) – the non-accreditation of its programmes and the frequent change of vice chancellors.  The university, which was established by the Joshua Dariye administration in 2005, has been unable to graduate students.  Also, in the past four years, it has been run by three vice-chancellors, as against the norm in which a vice chancellor should spend five years in office.

    After its establishment in 2005, the university was yet to fully stabilise before it was shut by Governor Jonah Jang in 2007 due to inadequate facilities and workforce as well as improper administrative structure.  He claimed the institution was started on a faulty foundation.

    The university reopened again in 2010, admitting fresh students who started academic work in 2011.  The institution runs 14 programmes across five faculties (Social Sciences, Management Sciences, Arts, Natural and Applied Sciences, and Environmental Sciences).  None of the programmes have been accredited.  Last November, Jang announced the release of N2 billion to the university to build facilities it needed for accreditation. The then Vice Chancellor, Prof Danjuma Dongnaan Sheni (who was removed on October 30), said the fund would be used to construct the library, Faculties of Arts and Social Sciences, Senate building, gate house, multi-purpose complex, and fencing the academic area.  Many of the projects are still under construction.

    The governing council chairman, Prof Sam Ale, also said back then that the projects would be hastened up so the institution could get accreditation for its programmes this year.

    “The university has a target to meet considering that the accreditation of its programmes will take place next year (this year) and we have to put all necessary requirements in place to ensure the accreditation succeeds,” he had said last year.

    Presently, the accreditation has not been granted.  It was learnt from a source that only N1 billion of the N2 billion promised by Jang was released.

    For the students, especially those in final year, the non-accreditation of programmes is a major concern. Though other levels of students (100-300 and those undergoing remedial programmes) have started the second semester examination, the 400-Level students have refused to write their final examinations.  They are insisting on the university securing the accreditation before they write their examinations.

    One of them, Uchechi Lekwa, a 400-Level student of Mass Communication, said the students had discussed their decision with the former Vice Chancellor, Prof Sheni, before he was suddenly removed, and the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof Stephen Mallo, who they met last week Monday.

    “Presently, other levels have finished their exams but we, the 400-level, feel that if we write the examination, the school would become nonchalant about pursuing the accreditation.  We were supposed to start on November 17.  When we had a meeting with the former VC, we told him that we will not write the examination.  We also met with the new vice chancellor last Monday and told him that we won’t write.  He said he would meet with the Senate and discuss the issue,” he said.

    The 400-Level students staged peaceful protests in the school last week to demonstrate their displeasure with the state of affairs in the university.   Some of them, led by Mishael Nunkop and Alex Lutnaan, addressed journalists in Jos last Tuesday and urged the new administration to resolve the accreditation issues.

    They said: “Following the recent activities in the Plateau State University, Bokkos, we the entire 400 level students wish to stress that our concern is the accreditation of the courses offered by the university.

    “We are worried that some of the identified factors militating against the accreditation process include: lack of adequate staff, inadequate infrastructure and poor funding. Part of the effort made on our part was to seek the intervention of relevant stakeholders within the state, particularly that of the state governor Da, Jonah David Jang who is the Visitor and Proprietor of the university.

    “We are optimistic about the positive impact government decision would have on the accreditation. We are committed to respect authorities and to be law abiding. We are patriotic and therefore will never compromise our just course for anything which does not profer solution to the common concern of some students of the university.

    “Our fundamental concern at this time in the history of our stay in the Plateau state university, Bokkos, is not the suspension of the immediate past Vice Chancellor or the appointment of the acting Vice Chancellor, but any decision of government that will serve the good of all students, especially the one that regard accreditation of the university.

    “We refuse to be dragged into whatsoever rancour that May have existed between the parties involved. We are a peaceful and law abiding students. We are not party to any form of violence in the school.  We want the Plateau state government to give all necessary support to the Acting VC of the university for the smooth and timely accreditation of our courses so as to meet the desire of the students.”

    However, though the students claim not to be concerned about the change of guard, Uchechi said if there had been less frequent changes in the leadership of the institution, it would have fared better.

    “The issue we are most concerned about is the non-accreditation of courses.  But how I wish the effort channeled into changing VCs was used to get us accreditation, we won’t be here today.  But the university is still admitting new students.  They even run a remedial programme, despite not having accreditation,” she said.

    Another student, Sunday Bukus said the university has set a record in changing vice chancellors without producing any graduate.

    “Imagine that for eight years the school has been in existence, it has not graduated even one student, none of the courses have been accredited and yet we have had the record of having four vice chancellors in eight years under one administration. This is a record yet to be surpassed by any organization,” he said.

    Workers of the university are also unhappy about the accreditation issue and the frequent changes in leadership.  The unceremonious removal of vice chancellors seems to have become a tradition of the Visitor, Jang. The first VC of the school, Prof John Wade, was removed in similar manner – so was his successor, Prof Nenfort Gomwalk. The embattled Sheni is the third VC to be removed while in office. The development has negatively affected the peaceful and serene atmosphere at the university.

    Sheni’s suspension came through a press statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to Jang, Mr. James Mannok. The statement reads: “The Visitor to the Plateau State University Bokkos, Dr. Jonah David Jang CON has suspended the Vice Chancellor, Prof Doknan Decent Danjuma Sheni with effect from 30th October, 2014. In the interim, Prof Stephen J. Mallo has been appointed to act pending further notice.

    “While wishing Professor Mallo fruitful and purposeful leadership, he has been mandated to commence preparation for accreditation of all the programmes of the University. He is also to stabilize the system and harmonized all the organs of the University for a harmonious working relationship.”

    Members of the academic staff, under the aegis of the Academic Staff Forum, have denounced the action of the governor, describing it as a direct affront on university autonomy.

    Addressing a press conference in Jos, the Chairman, Mr. Gilbert Yalmi, said the suspension of the vice chancellor was the culmination of a running battle between him (Sheni) and the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board, Prof. Sam Ale, who is an in-law to the governor, and presides over the tenders board, especially the disbursement of the TETFUND grants to the university in clear disregard of the Procurement Act.

    The lecturers said Sheni’s suspension was contrary to the law setting up the university because the council was not consulted. They also argued that the action was not based on any investigation – more so as a visitation panel constituted by the government was still sitting and has not submitted any report.

    The lecturers said the suspension of the VC was also a confirmation of the long threat by the governing council to take over the administration of the institution as the newly appointed VC, Mallo, is a member of the council.

    He said: “The suspension (of the vice-chancellor) order does not stipulate a time frame within which remains effective nor did it state any process of investigation for its cause. More so, the suspension order and the government release were contradictory. While the latter makes claim to ‘inappropriate conduct’, a news item in a television station included ‘financial misappropriation.”

    The teachers also claimed that the changes in leadership is affecting the university’s efforts to get accreditation for its programmes

    “Contrary to the norm, PLASU has not gone for accreditation two years after the assumption of academic activities. This is not unconnected to the breakages in the chain of the university administration by the Jang-led administration. We are equally aware that the VC, Prof. Sheni, inherited the process of accreditation from Prof. Nenfort Gomwalk and has vigorously pursued it, leading to a successful mock accreditation.  Unfortunately the government is yet to release the funds that will guarantee the successful execution of the main accreditation,” Yalmi said.

    Most PLASU lecturers are on temporary appointment. Most of them are borrowed from the University of Jos, while others are on sabbatical leave with the school. Hence, it is not possible for the lecturers to form their own chapter of ASUU.

    But the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), UNIJOS chapter, has risen in defense of its colleagues working at PLASU. In a press statement signed by the chairman, Dr. Chris Piwuna and Secretary, Noel Wannang, UNIJOS ASUU expressed dismay over the crisis at PLASU.

    The statement reads; “ASUU of University of Jos observed with dismay the unfolding events taking place at the Plateau state university, Bokkos. As a branch, ASUU of UNIJOS has nurtured and facilitated the receiving of funds by the state university from the federal government through the NEEDS assessment. Following directly from this, this branch is constrained to make the following observation:

    “Academic activities in the state university is threatened by the action of the visitor to the school. That is, the purported removal of the VC, the purported re-appointment of a DVC which are clearly a breach to the extant rules establishing the university.

    “ASUU university of Jos notes with serious concern the fact that only recently the university was re-opened after a long closure. There is no doubt that the current state of affairs will jeopardize the accreditation of the university course and programmes.

    “As a union, it is our responsibility to protect the integrity of academics and the statute establishing the university, thus, draw attention to these breaches and urge the visitor to reverse his actions and allow for peace and academic work that is been threatened”

    Parents who have their wards in the school have also joined in the condemnation of the crisis. Mr Gabriel Omale, whose daughter is in 300 level said, “I am now regretting taking my daughter to the school. Why should a university change VC almost every two years? How can such school develop like its counterparts? We have been spending huge fund as school fees, yet their courses are not accredited. We are appealing to the Plateau State government to address the issues once and for all so that my daughter and all other students will graduate like their mates in other universities in Nigeria.

    Another parent, Elder Mathew Azi said: “The state governor has politicised the appointment of the VC for the school, but this is very unfortunate. Governor Jang has never wanted the school to exist. First he closed it down for several years and since he brought it back, he has been changing the VC as it pleases him.”

    Though calm has been restored to the school, but the dilemma of the final year students remain unsolved. Prof Mallo has promised the students and workers to secure the accreditation in a very short period.

    Pleading with workers and students to remain calm and cooperate with the new VC, the Public Relation Officer, Mr John Agams, said Mallo wa3s not resting on his oars.

    “The new VC is an experienced academician and has moved fast to deploy his experience to put the school on the right footing,” Agams said.

     

     

  • Ekiti varsity shut down

    Ekiti varsity shut down

    A week after the Ekiti State University (EKSU) in Ado-Ekiti re-opened for a new session, the campus has been shut down by its workers over unpaid salaries and allowances. Students are also threatening a showdown with the management for what they call ‘anti-student policies’ and ‘suppression of unionism’. ADIO BAMIDELE (Accountancy) reports.

    All is not well at the Ekiti State University (EKSU). Seven days after students resumed for a new session, the university’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) aborted the resumption, shutting down the school over unpaid salaries.

    For three months, the ASUU said, its members have not received salaries. This development, the lecturers’ body said, has caused untold hardship to members.

    While lecturers have vowed not to return to the classroom unless their salaries are paid, students are also threatening a showdown with the management over increment in fees and proscription of Students’ Union activities.

    After a meeting on November 4, ASUU members declared an indefinite strike, saying the management did not show conviction that it was ready to pay the money anytime soon. A lecturer, who craved anonymity, said: “Apart from the unpaid salaries, we are being owed allowances, such as extra class hour allowance and excess work pay, but the management does not care a hoot about our wellbeing. We have explored every civilised avenue to reach out to the management but they don’t seem to understand that language of dialogue. This is why we are on strike. Students have just resumed and they need to be in class but how do you expect us to teach with empty stomach?”

    Students are pushing for the dissolution of the management for increasing tuition fees. They are not happy with what they call “anti-student policy” of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Oladipupo Aina. This, they said, could disrupt th e academic calendar. The students allege that the management has been suppressing students’ union activities to prevent resistance from students after jerking up fees.

    A former Students’ Union leader, who did not want his name in print, said: “Our demand is lawful. In other schools, as students move from one level to another, the lesser the fees become.

    “But here in EKSU, the higher the level of study, the higher the fee students pay. Now, they have just increased the  fees without reason. That is pure extortion.”

    A 300-Level Geology student said: “ The tuition fee is N50,000 without other fees, including medical bills, which is N5,000, Internet service N5,000, sport N7,000 and field trip, N10,000, which varies according to departments. But we pay double for these fees because students of Geology and Psychology pay for field trips after paying with the school fee.”

    The students also alleged victimisation by the management, saying the authorities suppressed unionism.

    A student, Niyi Ojekunle, said: “We are supposed to have Students’ Union election this semester but the management told us we cannot conduct the election until 75 per cent of students pay school fees. Which school in Nigeria does that?”

    Another student, who simply identified himself as Matthew, said: “The union was returned last year during the first semester but the constitution states that there shall be election every second semester. Because of the numerous hiccups caused by the management, we had to conduct the election in the first semester of last session. We are in the same situation again but they don’t want us to hold the election.”

    When the aggrieved students met with the Dean of Students’ Affairs (DSA), Prof Issac Adanlawo, CAMPUSLIFE learnt that they were told 75 per cent of students must pay school fees before the election could be held. Adanlawo said a comprehensive list of registered students, which would facilitate the election, was yet to be ready.

    The DSA added that since the union’s constitution allows only bonafide students to vote, the election may not hold until students pay their fees. The dean denied that the management did not have the interest of students at heart, wondering why the VC inaugurated a transition committee if the management wanted to suppress unionism.

    A student, who identified himself as Saheed, said the management was delaying the union election to prevent a protest against its plan to increase the school fee by N5,000. “They don’t want a students’ body that would move against a planned increment of the fee. Our parents still believe the new governor would reduce the school fee; this may have been the reason many students delay the payment,” Saheed said.

    It was learnt that students planned a protest to the office of the Governor, Mr Ayo Fayose, last Monday, but the demonstration was rescheduled till further notice.

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the ASUU members, led by their chairman, Prof Olufayo Olu-Olu, met with  Fayose on Saturday night to resolve the issue. But the meeting ended in stalemate, resulting in further closure of the school.

    Speaking to our correspondent on Sunday,  Olu-Olu, said: “Yes, we met with the governor on Saturday but the meeting was inconclusive. We were not satisfied with the government position and the campus remains closed until further notice. We are meeting the governor again next week and we hope we would have productive deliberation.”

  • VC praises Amaechi for varsity status

    The Vice-Chancellor, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Port Harcourt, Prof. Rosemund Green-Osahogulu, has said the university community will continue to appreciate Governor Chibuike Amaechi administration for upgrading the Rivers State College of Education Rumuolumeni to a university.

    She said it was necessary to thank Amaechi for eventually completing a process started by previous administration.

    Green-Osahogulu made this remark during the 30th/32nd convocation of the university penultimate week.

    She said the institution, which has three campuses in Port Harcourt are to be upgraded.

    “The battle to upgrade the college of education to university status started since October 2009 when Governor Chibuike  Rotimi Amaechi upgraded the college to the status of Rivers State University of Education.

    “The subsequent renaming of the university as Ignatius Ajuru University of Education of course was done by the governor in honour of the last but one chairman of the pre -upgrade college of education governing council, which is the departed Ambassador Ignatius Ajuru.

    “As we are celebrating our graduates today, it is necessary to thank the effort of the governor and all those who have made it possible for us to achieve our dream success. Don’t forget we give glory to God for giving us the testimony.”

     

  • 23 council members for Ajasin varsity

    The Visitor to the Adekunle Ajasin University in Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) and Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has inaugurated a 23-member Governing Council.

    Swearing in the council members in his office in Akure last week Wednesday, Mimiko said his administration would continue to support the university to make it achieve its vision of becoming a standard 21st century institution.

    The council is led by Ambassador Oladele Akadiri, while the Registrar, Mr Bamidele Olotu, will serve as secretary.

    Other members are the Commissioner for Education, Jide Adejuyigbe; his Finance counterpart, Chief Yele Ogundipe; Secretary to the state government Dr Aderotimi Adelola; Prof Jacob Olupona, Alhaji Mohammed Modibbo, Prof Macaulay Iyayi, Prof Oluyemisi Adebowale and Dr Funke Oyebade.

    Mimiko said the council members’ selection was based on achievement records, experience, integrity and commitment to service. He urged them to institute innovative ways of complementing the effort of the government in making the school a world-class citadel of learning.

    He said: “I am happy to note that Adekunle Ajasin Univeristy is now a force to reckon with in the comity of universities in the country. The landmark achievement of the Vice-Chancellor and his team made it possible through management of the funds released by the government and educational funding bodies and a robust relationship with the immediate past governing council.”

    The VC, Prof Femi Mimiko, hailed the governor for appointing the “experienced hands” to oversee the activities of the institution.

    He said: “I must commend the visitor for putting together this unbelievable, solid governing council for our university. I stand to be corrected, I do not know of any university today that has this status. We have distinguished men and women from experienced background, a professor who lectures at the Harvard for over 20 years, a distinguished career ambassador that has done so much in the service of his fatherland.”

    He expressed confident that the council would provide the leadership that the institution needed to improve its standard.

    Akadiri appreciated the governor for the opportunity given members of the council to serve. He assured that effort would be made to ensure that all resources would be utilised and managed to achieve the vision of making the university a world-class school.

  • New vision for varsity

    How do you make a great institution greater? For Prof. Chukwuma Ozumba, new Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, it is consulting the various segments of the university community, understanding the problems and coming up with the solution. That is what Ozumba has been doing since his appointment on June 6.

    It was therefore, in continuation of this exercise, that he launched his visionary and strategic action plan with stakeholders to make the great UNN even greater in education, research, scholarship and human capital development.

    Because it was the first of its kind in the institution’s 54-year old history, the 3,000 capacity princess Alexandria Auditorium, venue of the event, was filled, with thousands outside.

    The large turn-out at the occasion by friends of the university, the alumni, patriots in the pursuit of academic excellence, all categories of academic and administrative staff, union leaders and students, despite the fact that the institution was not in session, did not come as a surprise. It was indeed a demonstration of solidarity to the new administration, which was quickly applauded by the VC and his three deputies. Apart from immediate members of the university community, the ceremony attracted captains of industry, traditional rulers, university administrators from within and outside the country.

    Prominent among them were former Senate president, Ken Nnamani, represented by Prof. Steven Dike, famous Catholic priest Prof Obiora Ike, new provost of the College of Medicine, Enugu-Campus of UNN, Prof.  Ernest Onwasigwe, the deputy president Enugu- Chamber of commerce, Rev. Ugo Chime, the doyen of economist,  Prof. Hyacinth Eme Ichoku of the University of Nigeria and Mr. Chinedu Onu. Former deans of Faculty of Health Sciences and technology Enugu- campus of UNN, Professors Obinna Onwujekwe and Ngozi Onyemelukwe and renowned radiologist Prof. Ifeoma Okoye, the Director Public Relations Unn,Mr. Omeaku, Dr. Sam Ibeneme and Dr. Bond Anyaehie, both of the College of Medicine, UNN, as well as doyen of law, Dr. Edith Nwosu.

    In his inaugural speech, the vice chancellor, Prof. Chukwuma Ozumba, said that his ideas of transforming the university to a 21st century institution were in the conception of the stakeholders, especially the principal officers of UNN, who had so happily identified with the strategic and roadmap vision of his administration. He made it clear that for the first time, the University was organizing an all-inclusive visioning/strategic planning session involving all stakeholders to produce a master plan that will be consistent with the vice chancellors dream.

    The Vice Chancellor explained that the aim of the strategic action plan was to stimulate the requisite change and become the nucleus of the matter and manner of his transformation initiative, hence, the plan would stand as a veritable contract between the university and its various stakeholders in the march to excellence in all its ramifications.

    According to Prof. Ozumba, “without sounding pedantic, I want to reflect on the meeting point between my administration and the evolution of the University of Nigeria. Before establishing the university, Dr Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe had ruminated on the modalities for the establishment of an institution that would be unique in all respects. Before applying for the post of vice chancellor of this great institution, Prof. Benjamin Chukwuma Ozumba, had cogitated on the problems of the university to ensure that, through the authority of the Almighty God, he will delve into the solution to these problems if he becomes the vice chancellor.”

    He continued: this all-inclusive visioning/strategic planning session is the brain child of the periods of rumination, cogitation and browsing. As psychologists say, our character is basically a composite of our habits because our character traits are consistent with our unconscious patterns of thought.

    Ozumba re-stated that his vision for UNN was to create a leading operational academic centre of learning with a global standard, adding that it should be the university that will see excellence in the eyes of the great philosopher, Socrates, as a habit and not an act.

    “In a nutshell therefore, the university should under my administration, offer quality academic and professional programs, develop a student- centred, intellectually stimulating and technologically advanced teaching, learning and research environment and serve as an intellectual and cultural centre for the promotion of new ideas.”

    On how to fund this gigantic vision, the university administrator noted that for this innovative spectacle to mature into fruition, his administration would not rely entirely on government, but would embark on an aggressive internally generated revenue base with mechanized farming as area of focus, even as he indicated that emphasis would not be on school fees.

    Earlier in a key note lecture, former senate president, Ken Nnamani, charged authorities of the University of Nigeria to re-invent those rare values that made the institution the envy of many in education, medicine and research in the early 70s.

    Steven Dike, who represented Senator Ken Nnamani, recalled that after damaging his eyes in an accident in 1974, after surgery and sight restored at UNTH, surgeons at the United States of America where he had gone for follow up, expressed surprise that such world class surgery was done in Nigeria.

    “The most important asset Nigeria has is human capital and UNN has been richly blessed in several ways, but has seen trust betrayed of late, UNTH should not only maintain that standard but improve on it, he further remarked.

    He continued: to have all stakeholders of UNN gathered here today to move the institution forward means there is a renewed spirit under the leadership of Ozumba, we will get there, and collectivism is the only option.

    Also speaking, the national president of the UNN Alumni Association, represented by Dr. Florence Orabueze, carpeted the immediate past administration, saying that workers and students were in tears during the period. She said that God gave them Prof. Ozumba, as new VC, after they had declared prayers asking for a messiah to come and heal their wounds and reassured the VC of their support.

  • Varsity to address societal issues

    Vice-Chancellor of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Port Harcourt, Prof Barimen Fakae, has said the institution would soon become a solutions bank for societal issues.

    He said solutions to problems plaguing the Nigerian society would be addressed at the university’s annual international conference.

    Fakae said that this year’s edition of the conference would address the problem of erosion which is afflicting many parts of the country.

    The conference, which has as it’s theme: ‘flood and erosion prevention, protection and mitigation’ will hold November 3-5 at the university.

    Fakae who spoke in Port Harcourt during the institution’s 29th inaugural lecture, added that the lecture would become a monthly exercise as the school now “has an enabling environment for academic activities.”

    Fakae also said that the inaugural lecture will help to push the university higher in the ranking table.

    Commenting on the lecture titled “Appraisal of industrialization and environmental pollution: A Marine Biology perspective” which was delivered by Prof. Ikem Ekweozor, a Marine Biologist, Fakae said he was impressed because it touched on the very reason the RSUST was established.

    In his lecture, Ekweozor argued that since the Mangrove Forest provides nursery and feeding habitats for fisheries and other wildlife, and the traditional communities in Niger Delta depend on fish (up to 100 per cent for dietary protein) and for the fact that over 60 per cent of fish caught between the Gulf of Guinea and Angola breed in the mangroves of Niger Delta, it signifies the importance of this ecosystem to fisheries.

    For this reason, he advised that the marine department of RSUST should, “ identify how human activities has affected this important function of the estuarine ecosystem and seek mitigation to such influences.”

    He also advocated more funding for ecological studies.

    “Ecological studies should be encouraged and financially supported in Nigerian universities and research centres to enable the establishment of data based on indigenous species,” he said.

  • Varsity orientates freshers

    Freshers admitted into Adeleke University (ADELEKE) in Ede, Osun State have been advised to focus on achieving excellence and pursue their academic goals with vigour. The advice came at the orientation held for the fresh students at the University Hall last week.

    In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Oluwole Amusan, urged the students to study hard to become independent human beings. He told them not to engage in act that may terminate their academic pursuits, saying excellence should be their watchword.0

    He said: “You must avoid vices, such as cultism, examination malpractices, drug abuse, theft, sexual harassment and indecent practices that may lead to your expulsion. We want to ensure a continued peace and stability on the campus. Your primary purpose in the university is the pursuit of academic excellence. You are expected to study hard to achieve this.”

    In his exhortation, the university pastor, Gbenga Efuuntade, who read from Jeremiah 29 vs 11, reminded the students on the need to aim for success by praying and having faith in God.

    The Librarian, Dr Bola Atulomah and Bursar, Mr. Emeka Anne, took turns to advise the students.

     

  • Varsity gets license to teach engineering

    The Nigeria University Commission (NUC) has approved engineering programmes for Adeleke University, a private university, located in Ede, Osun State.

    When the school resumes academic session, the management said the engineering programme would start.

    The faith-based institution got the NUC license to operate in 2011, but started with courses in Business, Social Sciences, Arts and Sciences. The approval of engineering programme would boost the institution’s admission quota.

    Confirming the development, Director of Admissions, Mr Dipo Aliu, said: “The NUC has approved engineering courses and these include Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Agricultural Engineering. These four courses will be started immediately another session begins.”

     

  • Varsity’s first valedictorians

    Varsity’s first valedictorians

    Two girls are the best graduating students at the maiden convocation of the Paul University, established by the Anglican Church, in Awka, Anambra State. The students finished with a First Class, becoming the first valedictorians produced by the faith-based school. FRANKLIN ONWUBIKO (400-Level Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka) reports.

    Miss Iruoma Ejianya and Miss Chiemela Okeke were the cynosure of eyes at the maiden convocation of the Paul University in Awka, Anambra State last Friday. Reason: of the 57 graduands, both students topped their classes with First Class degrees. They made history as the first valedictorians of the school.

    For their colleagues, it was a moment of joy and time to praise God for getting degree certificates.

    The institution was a beehive as guests from various parts of the country trooped into the campus to witness the event held amid fanfare.

    It was graced by the former Secretary General of Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; former Vice President and chairman of the institution’s Board of Trustees Dr Alex Ekwueme; former Anambra Governor Dame Virgy Etiaba and the proprietor of the institution, Most Reverend Ignatius Kattey.

    Others were the Pro-chancellor, Sir Nnamdi Udensi; the Archbishop of Niger Province, Bishop Christian Efobi; Bishop of Awka Diocese Alex Ibezim and traditional ruler of Awka Igwe Gibson Nwosu, amomg others.

    The event started with the installation of Most Reverend Nicholas Okoh as the chancellor of the university. He was represented by Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province Right Revd Caleb Mmaduoma.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Gaius Igboeli, praised the vision of the institution’s founding fathers, saying the faith-based knowledge being taught in the school stands it out among its peers.

    He congratulated the graduands and their parents for choosing the institution to get “life-long training”, which he said would help the graduate to be exceptional in their careers.

    “These parents took an early chance with Paul University at a time when we had little facilities on the ground except the goodwill and reputation of the Anglican church as a foremost body that promotes quality education. We assured the graduands and their parents that they would never regret their investment and we are proud that we did not disappoint you,” he said.

    On the successes recorded by the institution, Igboeli said the engagement of quality teaching and non-teaching staff by the management enhanced students’ performance in academics. He said the management’s resolve to motivate teachers and fund research placed the school on the path of development.

    On students’ enrolment, the VC said the institution is one of the first choice private universities, stressing that students’ enrolment had grown from 107 in 2010 to 289 in 2013. According to him, the university explored media advertisement to improve its popularity.

    He expressed satisfaction with the quality of graduating students, charging them to be worthy ambassadors of the school.

    Praising the university for teaching its students morals, Ekwueme said the graduating students were found worthy in character and learning. He said the institution had projected the values of the Anglican Church through its faith-based practices.

    Prof. A.I Essien, who represented the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Julius Okojie, hailed the management for the success recorded, urging the graduands to make their lecturers proud.

    He cautioned against the interference in private universities administration by proprietors, stressing that the NUC would not hesitate to use the extant laws to whip such institutions into line.

    The highpoint of the event was the presentation of certificates to the graduating students and award of honorary doctorate degree in Civil Laws (D.CL) to Chief Anyaoku.

    The former envoy described the award as “incomparable international honour” because it came from an institution based in his home state and from his religious denomination.

    On behalf of the graduands, Miss Iruoma, best graduating student of Department of Economics, described the journey as uneasy, attributing the feat to support from God and her parents. She praised and appreciated their lecturers for “working day and night” to give them the best.

    The other valedictorian, Miss Chiemela, graduated from the Department of History and International Relations.