The Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, has assured that the state government will continue to uphold high standards in academic delivery, discipline, administration, infrastructure and student welfare at the Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology.
Nwagor gave the assurance on Friday during a familiarisation visit to the institution, where he met with the management to review its achievements, challenges and areas requiring government intervention.
The Commissioner described the college as an important institution in the development of both education and healthcare in the state, stressing that the quality of its graduates has direct implications for public health and safety.
He said the institution must therefore maintain strong academic and professional standards while providing students with a safe and conducive learning environment.
Nwagor also expressed concern over issues surrounding sanitation and recent student agitations, urging the management to address them through proper engagement and transparent processes.
“A sound academic environment must be clean, safe, orderly and conducive for learning; and students must have credible, structured channels through which their legitimate concerns are heard and resolved.”
He called for improved sanitation, better environmental management and prompt handling of students’ complaints.
The Commissioner assured the college of the Ministry’s continued support while urging the management to comply with the requirements of relevant regulatory and accreditation bodies.
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He also commended the Acting Provost for achievements recorded by the institution and said the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara remained committed to improving education across the state.
Earlier, the Acting Provost of the college, Dr. Peace Chigozirim Amadi, appreciated Governor Fubara for supporting the accreditation of eight programmes, providing a 500KVA transformer and facilitating the resurfacing of internal roads through the Ministry of Works.
Amadi, however, appealed for amendments to some sections of the college’s enabling laws to allow the institution access funding opportunities from TETFund, Needs Assessment and other intervention programmes.
She identified inadequate and deteriorating infrastructure, the absence of a governing council, non-implementation of the Consolidated Academic Tool Allowance, recurrent flooding, staff shortages and the lack of an ambulance as some of the college’s major challenges.
The visit also featured the presentation of an award of merit to Commissioner Nwagor by the Students’ Union Government in recognition of his support for the institution.
Receiving the award on behalf of the Commissioner, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Mina Tele Ikuru, thanked the students for the gesture and described Nwagor as a leader committed to resolving issues and promoting peaceful relations within the college.
