PORT HARCOURT – The Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) today celebrated its 43rd Convocation Ceremony, a vibrant testament to its commitment to academic distinction, institutional maturity, and responsible governance. Under the inspiring theme, “The University Culture in Practice: The IAUE Experience,” the institution showcased its significant strides across academic development, infrastructure, and student/staff welfare, while reaffirming its dedication to shaping purposeful citizens.
A Vision for Transformation:
In his address on Friday, May 30th, the Acting Vice Chancellor of IAUE, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, articulated the profound significance of the convocation’s theme. He emphasized that the choice to focus on “The University Culture in Practice” was a deliberate move to transcend mere academic achievements and fully embrace the cherished traditions and intellectual values that define truly great universities. “IAUE has come of age,” Professor Onuchuku declared, “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.”
Academic Prowess and Expansion:
Professor Onuchuku highlighted the university’s remarkable progress in its academic programs. IAUE has successfully secured full accreditation for 48 undergraduate academic programs and undergone resource verification for an additional 17 new undergraduate programs. Furthermore, all postgraduate programs have received NUC approval after rigorous resource verification. The university is actively reviewing its undergraduate and postgraduate curricula to align with NUC benchmarks and has fully implemented the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), ensuring a high standard of education for all students.
Infrastructure Renaissance:
The Vice Chancellor detailed an impressive array of infrastructural developments aimed at enhancing the learning and living environment across all campuses. Key projects include the fencing of both the main (Rumuolumeni) and Ndele campuses, along with female hostels featuring four new gatehouses. Staff quarters have also been secured with new fencing. Student welfare received a boost with the building of four new kitchens, while academic facilities were expanded with the construction and completion of the English House and an additional building for the Estate Department. The University Guest House has undergone complete renovation, and essential utilities have been upgraded with the installation of a new transformer in New Haven and the purchase of two power generating sets (60KVA and 100KVA) for the Ndele campus. Security has also been prioritized with the construction of new security posts at St. Johns and Ndele Campuses.
Commitment to Welfare and Partnerships:
Beyond physical development, IAUE has demonstrated a strong commitment to the welfare of its staff and students. The university has initiated a two-installment payment option for school fees, easing financial burdens for indigent students. For the fourth consecutive year, the institution has faithfully implemented its Christmas gifts package for all staff categories. A notable collaboration with a private company, P.N. Johnson, led to the establishment of the IAUE table water project, which has been met with enthusiastic reception both on and off campus.
Professor Onuchuku also lauded the crucial support from external bodies. The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has significantly contributed through the renovation of departmental laboratories (Chemistry, Biology, Integrated Science, and Special Education), the construction of the University Main Gate House, ongoing dualization of the main entrance to New Haven, construction of 1.9KM internal roads in New Haven, and the installation of solar lights across all three campuses.
Equally vital has been the support from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), which has funded the construction and furnishing of the Faculty of Social Sciences and the new Faculty of Education buildings. TETFund’s intervention also extends to improving the University Library’s physical and automated units, entrepreneurship support, career center support, staff development, conferences/workshop support, and institutional research and book publications. The 2025 intervention allocation from TETFund is earmarked for the construction of the Faculty of Agriculture and the Faculty of Vocational/Technical Education at the Ndele campus.
Philanthropic Contributions and Government Initiatives:
Individual philanthropists have also played a significant role. The family of the late Chief E. Aguma, former Provost of the College of Education Rumuolumeni, donated the Chief Emmanuel Aguma Building, now utilized for Postgraduate Studies. Pastor David Ibiyeomie, Founder/Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Port Harcourt, generously donated the Salvation Ministries Hostels, providing accommodation for over 300 students. In a commendable personal commitment, the current Vice Chancellor, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, is funding the ongoing construction of the Prof Okey Onuchuku Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, entirely from the proceeds of a book launched during his 60th birthday.
Government-approved projects are further bolstering the university’s capacity, including the construction and furnishing of a two-storey building with 15 classrooms and 18 professorial offices, two units of two-storey buildings with 9 classrooms each, and two units of two-storey buildings providing 84 rooms with a total capacity of 336 hostel spaces.
Sporting Excellence and Public Conduct:
IAUE’s commitment to holistic development is evident in its sporting achievements, including 5 Gold, 4 Silver, and 1 Bronze medal at NUGA 2022, placing 7th on the medal table. Four athletes from IAUE also qualified and participated in the World University Games in China in 2023.
Professor Onuchuku reaffirmed the university’s unwavering stance on public conduct, maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and social vices that could undermine institutional credibility. While acknowledging instances of errant staff and students, he assured stakeholders that appropriate disciplinary actions are consistently taken to protect the university’s hard-earned reputation. The institution also continues to foster strong relationships with its host communities through various corporate social responsibility initiatives.
A Call to Action for Graduands:
The convocation celebrated 2,887 first-degree graduands (4 First Class, 403 Second Class Upper, 2030 Second Class Lower, 450 Third Class) and 1,492 postgraduate awardees. Professor Onuchuku urged the graduands to carry the torch of excellence into the wider society. “Celebrate the end of your programmes… but remember that today’s celebration will precede new beginnings in your career and personal life,” he exhorted. He stressed the importance of completing every “Abandoned project” in their lives and proving to the world that they truly deserve their certificates.
The Vice Chancellor implored them to demonstrate greater commitment to society and their Alma Mater, utilizing their networks to seek the good of the university. He encouraged them to join alumni branches, bring honor and glory to the institution, and avoid any actions that could bring it into disrepute.
Concluding his address, Professor Onuchuku extended his gratitude to the Administrator of Rivers State and Visitor to the University, His Excellency Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), for gracing the event. He reassured all stakeholders of the Senate, Management, and staff’s unwavering dedication to positioning IAUE as the premier destination for quality tertiary education.
