Lorine Emenike
The Rivers State Government has directed the immediate release of the five hundred million naira grant to the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education to enable it to continue its transformation programmes.
Governor Nyesom Wike stated this during the 37th Convocation Ceremony of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt on Saturday 7th December 2019.
Represented by his Deputy, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Governor Wike said under his watch, the State Government would continue to invest and take necessary practical measures to strengthen the University to deliver on its mandate for the development of the Rivers People and the greater good of the State.
The State Chief Executive, who said the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education is a leading institution for the training of educators in Nigeria, stressed that teachers are the foundation of any viable educational system.
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According to him, the University was established by the State Government as a specialized institution for the practical training of graduate teachers for our educational system.
He commended the Vice-Chancellor and his team for enhancing the University’s carrying capacity, successfully mounting new academic programmes as well as graduating its first set of doctorate degree students.
Governor Wike who re-emphasized the State Government’s zero tolerance for cultism, sexual harassment, examination malpractice, sorting, sale of handouts and extortion of students, directed the University Administration to investigate and weed out any lecturer or staff who engages in money-for-grade, sex-for-grade and other untoward practices in our tertiary institutions.
“We must rescue our Universities from moral and sexual perverts and keep them safe and healthy for an effective impartation of knowledge to take place”. Governor Wike further stressed.
He expressed gratitude to the Senior Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie for fulfilling his promise to donate a female hostel block for the University and prayed the Almighty God to continue to prosper Salvation Ministries.
While congratulating the graduands, Governor Wike said University graduation is the triumph of toil, the effect of effort and the outcome of hard work, stressing that it is always a proud moment for parents, guardians, teachers and the University Administration.
He urged the graduands to set their priorities right, locate prospects and opportunities in the seeming challenges and invest more of their time, energy and resources into productive ventures.
In his Address the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, king Aaron Miller Ikuru who expressed gratitude to Governor Wike for reappointing him and his colleagues as the 11th Governing Council of the University reassured the Governor that they would continue to work with uncompromising zeal for excellence, integrity and service.
Also speaking the Vice-Chancellor of the University Prof. Ozo-Mekuri Ndimele said a total of 3,169 graduands made up of 45 Doctor of Philosophy, 1,070 Masters Degree, 391 Postgraduate diplomae, 1,654 Bachelor’s Degree and 09 Certificates.
According to him, 19 out of the graduands obtained the first class Honours Degree.
Commissioning of projects as well as the presentation of prizes were highlights of the occasion.
