The Lumine News

Category: Education

  • UNICROSS Announces Resumption, Matriculation Date

    UNICROSS Announces Resumption, Matriculation Date

    By Able Winnard

    The management of the University of Cross River State, (UNICROSS) has announced the resumption date for the continuation of the first semester 2023/2024 academic session.

    Recall that the State-owned institution had on the 14th of December, 2023 embarked on a two-week festive break for both students and staff which elapsed on January 4, 2024.

    In a circular signed by the management also announced January 25, and 26 for matriculation of new students across the four campuses.

    The management enjoined both old students to pay their outstanding fees while the new students pay up their fees in full.

    The circular reads: “The Management of the University of Cross River State, UNICROSS wishes to remind all Students (old and new) that school resumed for academic activities after the Christmas and New Year holidays on Thursday, January 04, 2024, for continuation of the 1st Semester 2023/2024 Session.

    “Students should please note and comply with the following directives:

    “All new Students are expected to pay their fees in full on or before 19th January 2024. This is to enable them to participate in the matriculation scheduled for 25 January 2024.

    “All new students who have not yet paid their full school fees should do so on or before 19h January 2024.

    “New Students should note that their matriculation shall be held on Thursday and Friday, 25th 26 January 2024 on all campuses of the University.

    “All new students who fail to pay their school fees shall lose their studentship in the University after the matriculation. New students should expect further directives on guidelines for the matriculation.

    “All old students viz, years 2,3,4,5, an extra year, should pay up any outstanding school fees they are owing immediately.

    “Old students should note that failure to pay up their fees will attract stipulated late registration charges which have taken effect from November 2023. Every student of the University should endeavor to comply with these directives in order to avoid undesirable consequences.”

  • UNICAL Blazes The Trail Of Induction In The South-South Zone

    UNICAL Blazes The Trail Of Induction In The South-South Zone

    The Department of History and International Studies at the University of Calabar became the first to conduct the induction of her graduating students into the Historical Society of Nigeria in the South-South Zone of Nigeria.

    The colourful ceremony which was held on Tuesday, 5th December 2023 at the Senate Chamber of the institution attracted friends and well-wishers of the inductees from within and outside the University of Calabar. A total of one hundred and twenty three students were inducted.

    The highpoint of the event was the administration of the oath of allegiance by the President of the Historical Society of Nigeria, Professor Samuel Aghalino on the inductees. The Council members from the South-South Zone, including Prof. Grace Brown (Council Member), Dr. Dave Imbua (VP) and Dr Obar Irom (Assistant Secretary) attended the ceremony.

    Distinguished service awards were conferred on several persons including the President, Prof. Aghalino and the Vice President (South-South), Dr. Dave Imbua.

    Various categories of awards were also presented to Rt Hon Sylvester Agabi (Deputy Speaker, CRHA), Professor Tony Eyang (Dean of Students Affairs, Unical), Dr Patrick Ene Okon (Sub-Dean, Faculty of Arts, Unical) and several other persons.

    It is hoped that the event will open a floodgate for inductions in other member institutions in the Zone.

  • UNICAL Blazes The Trail Of Induction In The South-South Zone

    UNICAL Blazes The Trail Of Induction In The South-South Zone

     

    The Department of History and International Studies at the University of Calabar became the first to conduct the induction of her graduating students into the Historical Society of Nigeria in the South-South Zone of Nigeria.

    The colourful ceremony which was held on Tuesday, 5th December 2023 at the Senate Chamber of the institution attracted friends and well-wishers of the inductees from within and outside the University of Calabar. A total of one hundred and twenty three students were inducted.

    The highpoint of the event was the administration of the oath of allegiance by the President of the Historical Society of Nigeria, Professor Samuel Aghalino on the inductees. The Council members from the South-South Zone, including Prof. Grace Brown (Council Member), Dr. Dave Imbua (VP) and Dr Obar Irom (Assistant Secretary) attended the ceremony.

    Distinguished service awards were conferred on several persons including the President, Prof. Aghalino and the Vice President (South-South), Dr. Dave Imbua.

    Various categories of awards were also presented to Rt Hon Sylvester Agabi (Deputy Speaker, CRHA), Professor Tony Eyang (Dean of Students Affairs, Unical), Dr Patrick Ene Okon (Sub-Dean, Faculty of Arts, Unical) and several other persons.

    It is hoped that the event will open a floodgate for inductions in other member institutions in the Zone.

  • UNICROSS Graduate Excels in NYSC Camp, Wins One Million Naira

    UNICROSS Graduate Excels in NYSC Camp, Wins One Million Naira

    Okpo Chibueze, a graduate of Department of Animal Science in Obubra campus of UNICROSS has excelled in Port Harcourt camp of National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) by clinching the top position in the Accesspreneur business pitch contest held in camp.

    His success came by delivering a compelling defense of his Pig Farming business pitch, aimed at addressing food insecurity.
    Sponsors of the competition rewarded him with the sum of one million naira.
    Kudos to UNICROSS and congratulations to Okpo on this well-deserved achievement.

    – UNICROSS Media Team

  • Ogoja Diocese Welcomes V.C. For Development From USA

    Ogoja Diocese Welcomes V.C. For Development From USA

    The Catholic diocese of Ogoja recently hosted the Vice Chancellor for Development of one of America’s famous Catholic Universities, The Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio State, Mr. Stephen Rasche.

    Mr. Rasche was in Ogoja following another recent visit to the USA by the Vicar General of Ogoja diocese and Chairman of the Further studies Commission, Fr. Peter Abue.

    In August 2023, in his travels, Fr Abue had appealed to Franciscan University of Steubenville Ohio, USA through Mr. John Stilley to enable a partnership that would enable the upgrade of The diocesan Thomas McGettrick Institute of Technology (TMIT) possible and faster.

    In his interaction with the University Council headed by Fr David Pivonka TOR and his Council, Fr Abue discussed the Partnership, which would attract funding towards this initiative and open more doors for other project areas in the diocese.

    Both Franciscan University of Steubenville (FUS), Ohio and the proposed Thomas McGettrick University (TMU), Ogoja would have missions to educate Nigerian priests/seminarians through a rolling mentorship programme with FUS personnel. The topics for the programme would include: Building financial reporting processes, Designing Budgets and Projections, Admissions and Enrollment Modeling, Campus Master Planning as well as Legal and Compliance Matters. The concept would be for the Priests to spend time in each functional area and learn how FUS operates in order to come back and build up TMU.

    The Thomas McGettrick University Project was a mandate by the Bishop of Ogoja diocese Most Rev Donatus Akpan to the Further studies Commission of the diocese headed by Fr Peter Abue to oversea modalities that would ensure among other things, the upgrade of the present TMIT to the status of a university by raising funds to meet the requirements of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

    In his response to the Bishop and the team of selected Priests who welcomed the august visitor, he emphasized the willingness of the Franciscan University of Steubenville to support the initiative of the diocese and mentioned one of the key stakeholders John Stilley who is particularly interested in this partnership.

    He thanked the Bishop for receiving him and promised to set to work to make this vision possible in the nearest future.

  • Humanitarian Affairs Commissioner Joins First Lady To Implement Back To School Project In Biase LGA

    Humanitarian Affairs Commissioner Joins First Lady To Implement Back To School Project In Biase LGA

     

    The Honorable Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Mrs Helen Isamoh- Egodo joined forces with the First Lady of Cross River State to execute the Rev Mrs Eyo- Awan Otu Back-to-school project in Akparavuni and Ikot Obo Isamoh Communities in Biase LGA of CRS.

    The First Lady of CRS, Rev Mrs Eyo- Awan Otu was ably represented by the Wife of the Member Representing Calabar Municipality, CRSHOA, Mrs Diana Nsemo and accompanied by Bar Ijom Ukam, the Commissioner for Youth Development and Lady Elizabeth Awatt the Special Assistant to the First Lady on Political Matters.

    Together, they were able to provide the much-needed educational support to students in the selected schools. The goal was to ensure that every child has equal access to quality education, regardless of their geographical location.

    Through this initiative, they distributed essential school supplies such as textbooks, notebooks, School bags, Uniforms, writing materials and the Bibles to these amazing students. Seeing their eyes light up with excitement and gratitude was truly heartwarming.

    Education is the key to unlocking a brighter future, and we firmly believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn and grow. By investing in their education, we are investing in the development of our communities as a whole.

    Dr Egodo expressed her deepest gratitude to the First Lady for her unwavering commitment to education and humanitarian assistance, She also commended the government operatives for their invaluable support in making the project a success.

    Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, CRS.

  • I Am Part Of This History As The Federal Polytechnic Ugep, Takes Off BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

    I Am Part Of This History As The Federal Polytechnic Ugep, Takes Off BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

    The Federal Polytechnic, Ugep, Cross River State takes off:

    On Sunday 18th November 2023, received a message on WhatsApp from the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Ugep, Cross River State, Professor Edward Okey-Ntui informing me that the Federal Polytechnic Ugep is ready to take off with the placement of the advertisement calling on interested people to apply for admission.
    This is more than two years after the federal government announced the establishment of the Polytechnic.

    The institute has struggled to take office due to several factors including bureaucratic bottlenecks.

    Professor Okey-Ntui in his message thanked me for my small contribution towards the success recorded by the institute despite all the odds.

    Professor Okey-Ntui is a dedicated academic and administrator of no mean repute.

    I equally commend him and his management team for their dedication, consistency, determination and doggedness even though the odds against them were overwhelmingly against them.

    I am glad to be part of the history of the Federal Polytechnic, Ugep.
    It all started on 18 October 2018, when I initiated the payment of a courtesy visit of the Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr, His Royal Majesty, Obol Ofem Ubana, to former President Muhammadu Buhari in the State House Abuja.

    In his address (read on his behalf by Sab Eko), Obol Ofem Ubana demanded the Federal government of Nigeria establish a federal University of Technology in Ugep.

    I am part of this history.

    On 22 April 2021, the former Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu at the inauguration of the Governing Boards of the newly established Federal Polytechnic and Federal Colleges of Education in the country told a packed audience at the auditorium of the National Universities Commission, Maitama Abuja, why the Federal. Polytechnic, Ugep is situated at Ugep, Criss River State.

    A usually taciturn Malam Adamu, excitedly said that former President Muhammadu Buhari decided to site the Federal Polytechnic Ugep because of their humble self to reward me for many years of dedicated and committed support towards the founding of APC and actualization of his ambition to become President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2015-2023).

    I therefore profusely thank former President Muhammadu Buhari for his generosity and magnanimity.

    I equally thank Malam Adamu Adamu former Minister of Education, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    I also thank HRM, Obol Ofem Ubana for his vision and his service to the people of Ugep nay Yakurr.

    Long live HRM, Obol Ofem Ubangha.

    Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Obol Okoi Obono-Obla
    20/11/2023

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Okoi Obono-Obla and does not represent TheLumineNews or its agent.

  • TCTI is Truly a World-Class Teacher Training Institute in Nigeria – NTI Observers

    TCTI is Truly a World-Class Teacher Training Institute in Nigeria – NTI Observers

    By Higgins James 

    Participants and stakeholders to the just concluded workshop organized by the National Teachers Institute (NTI) Kaduna, for forty primary school teachers at the Teachers Continuous Training Institute (TCTI), Cross River State have rated the Institution as the best teacher training centre in Nigeria alongside the NTI.

    Observers on a 3-Day seminar tagged: ‘Global Goals for Sustainable Development’ which held between 15th – 17th November, 2023, lauded the concept, which according to them stands unequalled in terms of hospitality, facilities, formations, training and research and overall planning.

    According to Malam Suleiman Jibril, a teacher from Kaduna State, ‘the equipment on ground are in line with the latest technological advancement obtainable in modern learning anywhere.

    “The TCTI is one of the best teacher training institutions of development l have seen. The facilities are superb and the place is second to none. It is even included in our report”.

    Another teacher, Mr Leonard Iyeje testifies that: “The Institute has inculcated great knowledge into me with its up-to-date training facilities and l am happy that my students and wards back home will have something new to learn from this experience.

    Continuing, Iyeje said “the amenities are the best anyone can imagine in this country. Sincerely, l was amazed at what l saw on ground.

    An elated Mrs Emilia Matiki noted that “the place is one of its kind. From the location, high tech facilities, instructional materials, to the general coordination we were all very impressed with what we saw at the TCTI and l hope to be there for another training. It was indeed a wonderful experience”.

    The State Coordinator, Cross River State Chapter of the National Teachers Institute, Mr James Edet affirmed the comments made by the visiting tutors, highlighting the importance of the Institute to national integration and learning.

    Several commendatory reviews received from participants and observers in the pedagogical profession abound before and after the drills.

    Addressing participants after the exhibition, renowned educationist and pioneer Director-General of the TCTI, Professor Taoheed Adedoja, hinted that the Institute is open to local and foreign collaborations as a way to foster learning. Professor Adedoja thanked the NTI for the continued synergy in enhancing teacher’s growth.

    The TCTI, solely owned and financed by the Cross River State government, was conceived to boost manpower development and guarantee quality learning that meets global teaching. It is the first CERTIPORT approved institution for digital literacy proficiency testing with
    a view to filling the gaps on knowledge and skills needed for global employability and competitiveness.

    Higgins James writes from Calabar

  • Federal Polytechnic Ugep Invites Prospective Candidates  For 2023/2024 Academic Session

    Federal Polytechnic Ugep Invites Prospective Candidates  For 2023/2024 Academic Session

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The management of the Polytechnic Ugep, has invited prospective candidates for the 2023/2024 academic session.

    With the advertisement for applications into various programs into the institution, the polytechnic is set to commence its academic session.

    In a release made available to TheLumineNews and signed by the Registrar of the institution, Mr Arikpo Eno, indicates that candidates who scored 100 and above in the 2023 UTME, should change their thier institution to the Polytechnic Ugep, as their first choice.

    The release reads in parts “Prospective candidates who wrote the 2023 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) who scored 100 and above are eligible to apply for admission into the following National Diploma programs offered by the institution :
    1. Computer Engineering
    2. Computer Science
    3. Statistics.

    “Such candidates must have met the minimum admission requirements of five O’ level credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics and any two of either Chemistry, Geography, Biology or Computer Studies in not more than two sittings.

    “Method of Admission
    Candidates are to go to JAMB website and change to the Federal Polytechnic Ugep as their first choice institution will be required to report at campus from 4th to 15th December, 2023 for the Post UTME screening”

  • Federal Polytechnic, Ugep: The True Story BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

    Federal Polytechnic, Ugep: The True Story BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

     

    It all started on the 24 September 2020 when I stumbled on a letter dated 17 December 2019 written by the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Education to the Executive Secretary Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETfund, conveying the approval of President Buhari for the establishment of new Federal Polytechnics and Colleges of Education in the country to address the emergency in the education sector in Nigeria. I was excited when I saw that one of the Federal Polytechnics approved for Cross River State without a location tied to it. I immediately called the Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr to alert.

    I beseeched His Royal Majesty to write a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari appealing to him to site the Federal Polytechnic Cross River State in Ugep. Obol Lopon didn’t hesitate. He accepted my advice and wrote the letter dated 24 September 2020 to Mr. President through Hon. Minister of Education Malam Adamu Adamu, which he sent to him for delivery in Abuja.

    In the letter, Obol Lopon reminded Mr. President of his request on the 26 October 2018 when he paid a courtesy visit to him in my company. Obol Lopon had requested that Mr. President approved the establishment of a Federal University of Science and Technology in Ugep. On the 20 January 2021, I got a call from Malam Adamu Adamu at about 9 pm. He asked me pointedly why the Polytechnic should be in Ugep. I told him that Ugep is an APC stronghold.

    In the 2019 presidential election, Ugep voted massively for Mr. President. Abi/Yakurr Federal constituency produced the only APC member in the House of Representatives from the Cross River State, Dr. Alex Egbona. Lastly, I told him where federal educational institutions in Cross River State are.

    The Federal educational institutions in Cross River State, Nigeria, include the University of Calabar, Calabar, Federal College of Education, Obudu, Federal Government College, Ikom, Federal Science College, Ogoja and Federal Government Girls College, Calabar. Ugep has no federal government educational institution.

    Ugep has a population of 202,000. It is the largest town in Cross River after Calabar. It is the headquarters of Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State. President Buhari is a sincere and fair-minded leader.

    I vividly remembered President Buhari’s reply to the request of Obol Lopon on 26 October 2018 that during his time as President, he will ensure that every part of Nigeria benefits from federal government presence.

    President Buhari is a sincere, genuine, and fair-minded leader. Sincerely this is the reason why I believe in him as a person and a leader. He has lavished appointments on Cross River indigenes.

    I also thank the Honourable Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, for his large-heartedness, friendship, and sincerity. He is humble, open-minded, honest, and a true leader.