The Senate of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) convened for its inaugural session of the year on Wednesday, 28th January 2026, presiding over several critical academic and welfare resolutions. Chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, the assembly approved the results for graduating students and addressed pressing student grievances.
Academic Excellence and Convocation Plans
Leading the academic presentations, the Dean of the Postgraduate School, Professor Chibuzor Chile Nwobueze, announced that 678 postgraduate candidates have attained “clear standing.” These students are now positioned for the 2026 Convocation ceremony, scheduled for March, pending the formal assent of the Executive Governor of Rivers State and Visitor to the University.
The statistical breakdown of the results revealed a high standard of scholarship. Of the 465 Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) candidates, only one failed to meet the requirements. Similarly, at the Master’s level, 92 out of 94 students passed, while the Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) cohort achieved a 100 per cent pass rate across 122 students.
Furthermore, the Senate approved undergraduate and continuing education results presented by the various Faculty Deans and the Director of the Centre for Continuing Education, Professor Goddey Wilson.
Compassionate Intervention on Tuition Fees
In a significant relief for Master’s students, the Senate approved a compassionate appeal regarding the 2025/2026 academic session fees. The Dean of the Postgraduate School explained that many students were caught unawares by the new 18-month academic calendar introduced by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
In response to the students’ petition to pay only 50 per cent of the returning fees, the Senate granted the waiver, acknowledging the communication gap regarding the revised regulatory timeline.
Vice-Chancellor’s Act of Philanthropy
The session took an emotive turn when the Chairman of the Students’ Ethics and Disciplinary Committee, Professor Martins Adekambi, reported a theft involving Miss Jainyebarimiema Ibiteinbo-ofori, a final-year Management student. The sum of ₦470,000—proceeds from the student’s Point of Sale (POS) business—was stolen from her hostel room following an unauthorised visit by guests of her roommates.
Whilst members of the Senate debated the legalities of student-run businesses within hostels, Professor Onuchuku intervened personally. The Vice-Chancellor settled the ₦470,000 debt from his personal funds, asserting that legitimate student enterprise should be encouraged during harsh economic times.
“No legitimate means of survival should be frustrated,” Professor Onuchuku remarked, though he cautioned that “divine justice” would eventually find those responsible for the theft.
Administrative and Faculty Updates
The Vice-Chancellor also shared positive news regarding staff development, noting that external assessors have returned favourable reports for several staff members eligible for professorial promotion.
Other key administrative highlights included:
Accreditation: Professor Joseph Kinanee, Director of Academic Planning, alerted the University that 32 programmes are due for accreditation this year, urging departments to prepare rigorously.
Orientation: The orientation exercise for fresh students is slated for Tuesday, 10th February to Friday, 13th February 2026.
Decorum and Discipline: In a bid to maintain academic standards, the Senate reinforced the student dress code, advising lecturers to dismiss improperly dressed students from classes.
Infrastructure Optimisation: To maximise existing facilities, lecturers from various campuses, including Ndele, will be assigned operational offices at the St John’s Campus.
Source: Dr Ngozi Okiridu Public Relations Officer
