The leadership of the Independent Newspaper Publishers Association of Rivers State (RIVPA) has described the Acting Vice Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, as a transformative leader who has turned a once poorly graded institution into a premier citadel of academic excellence.
The RIVPA delegation, led by Acting Chairman Evans Ifeanyi Osi, made this assertion during the presentation of an award to the University Don, recognising him as a “True Advocate and Champion of the Media Industry.” The presentation, which was delayed from last year due to the Vice Chancellor’s demanding schedule, served as a platform to review the institutional metamorphosis under his watch.
Presenting the award on behalf of the group, the immediate past Chairman of RIVPA, Gloria Boma Harry, commended Professor Onuchuku’s foresight, which she noted has made the university the envy of the committee of state-owned tertiary institutions.
Harry particularly lauded the Vice Chancellor for being instrumental in the employment of over 1,500 staff members, a cohort she is personally a part of. She further praised his consistent support for the Rivers State media, noting that as the “watchdogs of society” whose business relies on information, RIVPA can boldly attest to his exceptional performance.
In his response, Professor Onuchuku expressed deep appreciation for the honour and reaffirmed his commitment to the media. He disclosed that upon his assumption of office, he immediately overhauled the institution’s academic brief to ensure strict compliance with National University Commission (NUC) guidelines.
He noted that his team worked tirelessly to renew expired accreditations and secure approval for new programmes. A significant result of this strategic repositioning is the surge in student enrolment; specifically, the Year One intake has grown from 6,000 at the start of his tenure to over 10,000 students currently. Furthermore, he announced that all part-time programmes at the St. Johns Campus have received full approval (Resource Verified) from the NUC.
Professor Onuchuku detailed an extensive list of projects completed without state subvention, funded instead through Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). He noted that the only external government intervention occurred during the administration of the former Governor, Nyesom Wike, who graciously approved the comprehensive remoulding of the Ndele Campus.
Other major infrastructural achievements highlighted include:
TETFUND Excellence: The construction of the buildings for the Faculties of Social Science and Education, which have been adjudged the best TETFUND projects in South-South Nigeria.
Strategic Partnerships: The renovation of the Science Laboratories and the construction of the university’s main entrance gate and internal roads by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Ndele Campus Revival: The ongoing construction of the new buildings for the Faculties of Agriculture and Technical and Vocational Education at Ndele. These faculties, once part of a moribund campus, have already begun producing top-tier graduates.
Campus Welfare: Construction of a new kitchen for the female hostel following a fire incident, the building of a security gatehouse for the hostels, and perimeter fencing of both the main campus and the Ndele campus to prevent land encroachment.
Addressing the safety of the university community, the Vice Chancellor stated that the University Authority has collaborated extensively with security agencies and local vigilante groups. This partnership provides robust security within and around the campuses, ensuring the safety of lives and properties.
Highlighting his personal commitment to the university’s growth, Professor Onuchuku revealed that he donated the entire proceeds from the sale of two books launched during his 60th birthday to the construction of the “Peace and Conflict Management Building.” He added that his personal funds are also being committed to ensure the timely completion of the project.
The university authority has officially approved the Okechuku Onuchuku Institute of Peace and Conflict Management, with admissions currently ongoing for postgraduate students.
Looking to the future, the Vice Chancellor announced that his administration has concluded an agreement with a private firm to introduce local languages aided by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to boost teaching. While calling on well-meaning individuals to partner with the institution for more classroom and office blocks, he expressed optimism that the Governor Siminalayi Fubara administration will support the institution, following commitments made by the previous Council.
