The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, today unequivocally declared that educational development will remain a paramount pillar of his administration. Speaking at the 43rd Convocation Ceremony of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) in Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Admiral Ibas, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, delivered a stirring address that underscored the transformative power of higher education.
Highlighting the convocation’s theme, “The University Culture in Practice: The IAUE Experience,” Admiral Ibas emphasized its profound relevance in an era demanding excellence from institutions of higher learning. “It is heartening to see IAUE demonstrate its commitment to academic distinction, institutional maturity, and responsible governance,” he stated. “A thriving university culture is one that not only teaches but transforms. It builds bridges between learning and leadership, knowledge and character. It equips young men and women not just for employment, but for purposeful citizenship.”
The Administrator lauded the university management’s remarkable achievements, particularly under the leadership of the Acting Vice Chancellor Prof Okechuku Onuchuku. He commended IAUE for securing full accreditation for an impressive 47 academic programmes, successfully verifying new departments, and effectively implementing the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards. “These represent not just compliance but vision,” Admiral Ibas asserted, noting that such strides align perfectly with his administration’s focus on educational advancement.
Addressing the graduating class of 2,887 first-degree holders and 1,492 postgraduate degree awardees (comprising 306 PhDs, 812 Masters, and 374 Postgraduate Diplomas), Admiral Ibas urged them to uphold the positive values instilled by the university and maintain an insatiable thirst for knowledge. He issued a stern warning against indiscipline, stating, “I urge the student body to rise above distractions and embrace the deeper call of education to become builders of a better society. We will not tolerate cultism, fraud, harassment, or any form of indiscipline in our tertiary institutions. Together, let us uphold zero tolerance for academic and social misconduct.”
In a broader national context, Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, represented by Prof. Bolaji Babatunde (who received a Doctor of Letters), announced President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s approval for the establishment of specialized universities. These include a Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies in Osun State, a Federal University of Environment and Technology in Rivers State, and a Federal University of Technology and Environmental Science in Ekiti State. Additionally, 38 Federal and State Technical Colleges across the country have been upgraded, signifying a nationwide commitment to educational advancement.
Earlier, the Acting Vice Chancellor of IAUE, Prof. Onuchuku, reiterated the significance of the convocation’s theme, explaining that it was chosen to underscore the necessity of embracing cherished traditions and intellectual values that define great universities. “Ignatius Ajuru University of Education has come of age, and it is time to prove to our stakeholders and development partners that this institution is moving in a positive direction as a proof of our maturity in all facets of academic and administrative activities,” he affirmed. He charged the graduands to prove their worth, stressing, “You must prove to the world that you truly deserve the certificates and prizes.”
