The Lumine News

Category: Education

  • Convocation: UNICAL Seeks TETFUND Intervention On Building Of Library, Standard Senate Chambers 

     

    Prof. Florence Banku Obi, Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, has appealed to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) to come to the aid of the university in building a befitting library and a standard senate building.

    Obi made the appeal on Friday in Calabar during the 35th convocation ceremony of the University of Calabar.

    The convocation was held for first degree graduates of the institution, masters, diplomas and postgraduate diplomas; while the award of doctorate degrees was scheduled for Saturday.

    She also called on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to come to their aid in infrastructure development of the institution.

    “Much as we do our best to create the conditions for the university we desire within the context of our realities, we have to let you know that the institution is hamstrung largely by paucity of funds, and many other problems.

    “Most topical in the demands of the university is the provision of electric power which gulps a greater part of our internally generated revenue, leaving us struggling to meet other important needs.

    “We are also in need of a standard senate building befitting of a second generation university of our standing.

    “The university has for the past 2 years been without a central library due to a major structural defect which led to it being cordoned off following the advice of professionals in the building industry.

    “We appeal for a special intervention from TETFUND to urgently come to our aid as there is no university without a functional library,” she said.

    The VC also appealed to spirited individuals to intervene in the building of hostel accommodation for students of the institution.

    She noted that the university was ready to give all the cooperation to any individual or corporate body to achieve this.

    She said that the university, with a population of over 36,000 students, has only 2,400 bed spaces for the accommodation of students.

    “This accounts for less than 5 per cent against the National Universities Commission recommendation of 30 per cent of students that should be accommodated on campus,” she added.

    She disclosed that the university was awarding 5,445 first degrees and 171 diplomas to persons certified worthy in character and learning in keeping with the academic tradition.

    “Out of the 5,445 for first degrees, 11 persons distinguished themselves with First Class Honours, 1,062 with Second Class Upper Division, 3,647 have Second Class Lower Division, 721 got Third Class, while 4 have the Pass Degree.

    “The Diplomas are as follows: Distinction 2,
    Merit 111, Credit 45, Lower Credit 1, Pass 11 and Certificate of Attendance 1.

    “At the post-graduate level, we have 2,159 persons who have earned higher degrees and diplomas as follows: 553 PhDs, 1,104 Masters and 502 Post Graduate Diplomas,” she added.

    Also speaking, Alhaji Aminu Ado-Bayero, Chancellor of the university, urged the graduands to make the best choice of the path they have chosen to follow.

    Ado-Bayero, who is also the Emir of Kano, commended the VC for her outstanding leadership and for transforming the institution within the two years she assumed office.

    He assured the university management that his vision as Chancellor was to make the University the best university in Sub-Saharan Africa.

    Also, Retired Gen. Martin Luther-Agwai, Pro-Chancellor of the University, said that the university was still grappling with inadequate facilities and funding.

    Luther-Agwai said that there was a need for the university to continue to institutionalize its relevance and civil engagement beyond the convocation ceremony to a more meaningful contribution to national development.

    He assured that the university council would work hand-in-hand with the management to address some of the peculiar challenges.

    One for the graduands, Mr Cleverty Njong, who had a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 5.00 in Law, Master degree, said his success came as a result of dedication and commitment to academic activities.(NAN)

  • UNICROSS Announces Combined Matriculation Ceremony

    By Mary Bassey

    The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) has announced dates for the combined matriculation ceremony for its students.

    This was contained in circular number 385 informing students and the general public that the exercise will be for first-year students of the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 academic sessions.

    It noted that the matriculation is scheduled to hold on Thursday May 11, 2023, and Friday, May 12, 2023, across the four campuses in the State.

    The circular reads: “This is to inform all First Year Students of the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 combined Academic Session that the 20th Matriculation Ceremony in all programs of Cross River University of Technology has been scheduled to hold on Thursday 11th May 2023 and Friday 12 May 2023 respectively across all the campuses of the University.

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    “All the newly admitted students of the University should endeavor to pay their school fees before the date of Matriculation. Students who fail to pay their fees as directed will forfeit their admission to the University and will not be eligible for matriculation.

    “All concerned should note that; all year one students in Calabar and Obubra campuses shall attend their matriculation in Calabar campus on the 11th of May 2023.

    “All year one students in Ogoja and Okuku campuses shall attend their matriculation in Okuku campus on the 12 of May 2023.

    “All Faculty Officers of the various Campuses should ensure that this information is given wide publicity. They should also support all arrangements toward achieving a successful matriculation.

    “All Finance Officers are expected to facilitate payment of school fees as well as academic gowns by concerned students. Management looks forward to a hitch-free event,” the letter reads.”

  • 18 Arthur Javi’s Varsity Students Bags First Degree In Cross River

    By Richard Ndoma – Leadership Newspaper 

    No fewer than 18 students of Arthur Jarvis University, Akpabuyo, Cross Rivers State, have graduated from the institution with First Class degrees in different disciplines.

    Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ani Nkang, disclosed this at the institution’s maiden convocation ceremony, which took place on Saturday in Calabar.

    Prof. Nkang stated that apart from the 18 graduands, who graduated with First Class degrees, 115 other students graduated with Second Class (Upper Division), with 91, who bagged Second Class (Lower Division), and 161 graduated with Third Class out of the total 385 graduands who graduated from the institution.

    “Over the past four years (2019-2022), Arthur Jarvis University has consistently scored 100 per cent in the results of accreditation of academic programmes in Nigerian universities by the National Universities Commission.

    “At present, teaching and research is conducted actively in 32 programmes under four faculties,” the VC stated.

    In his remarks, the Chancellor of the University, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, while trying to encourage hardwork and good character among undergraduates of the institution, stated that the school expected high moral standards from student pursuing one or two courses in the institution.

    “Our University is not a rehabilitation center for drug users, unruly students and cultists,” the Chancellor declared, stressing that the management of the institution would not hesitate to release its sledge hammer on erring students.

    In a brief interaction with 22-year-old Miss Yeneochia Ogar Agbor, who is one of the best graduating students from the Faculty of Applied Sciences, stated that hardwork was behind her bagging a first class degree and encouraged others to do same.

    In his remarks, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu the V, the Obong of Calabar, appealed to all Crossriverians to stand up and invest in education.

    “We have the landmass, all we need is the infrastructure. Our people should be glad to send thier students here, rather than struggling to send our kids in far away states to pursue their academic courses,” the monarch stated.

  • CORAfrica Donates School Bus To Refugees At St Peter’s Primary School Adagom, Ogoja

    By Elijah Ugani

    A non-governmental and humanitarian organization, Children of Rural Africa (CORAfrica), has today 1st December, 2022 donated a bus to St Peter’s Primary School Adagom for use by refugees and host community children.

    Speaking during the presentation, the Founder/Chief Strategist of CORAfrica, Rev Fr Dr Peter Obele Abue noted that “the rationale behind the purchase of this bus is the long distance trekked by our pupils and our desire to provide the needed support to aid effective and conducive learning environment for them.

    “As part of our educational model and to provide support in addition to compliment the efforts of UNHCR, in providing the required education, we had rented this structure and commenced the basic training of these children last year, and we currently have a population of 500 pupils, comprising of 464 refugees and 36 host community children”

    Speaking further, Fr Obele maintained that “In addition to payment of staff stipends, we also provide snacks periodically for our pupils as a way of encouraging and stabilizing the children to enable them pay attention to the lessons taught.

    “In response to the rapid and increasing growing population beyond our expectation, and the need to ensure standard in providing for the educational needs of the pupils, CORAfrica has acquired 50 plots of land in Adagom 3, less than 100 meters away from our temporary site. Work has begun with over 30 trips of sand, 15 trips of gravel and 600 bags of cement for the construction of an ultra-modern 8 classroom block in the new site. God willing, by January 2023 a more conducive learning environment will be available for the pupils.

    “As an organization that is poised to emancipate the plight of rural African Children, we are determined to support the laudable initiative by UNHCR. We are committed to promoting inclusion and equitable learning opportunities for all, to improve access to education for refugees children in line with the global compact for refugees on education, as we anticipate further collaborations with UNHCR”.

    Fr Obele used the opportunity to commend UNHCR Head of Ogoja UNHCR Sub Office, for honoring their invitation to witness the historic presentation of the school bus and requested for an audience with the Head of Ogoja Sub Office to enable him share their plans and programmes with him, to ensure that such programmes align with UNHCR mandate.

    Chief Stephen Mankong who spoke on behalf of Adagom community, stated that “For us in the community, we are glad to be part of this occasion. Historically, since the coming of refugees to Adagom, this is the first major private donation of a person for the use of both the PoCs and the host community people”

    Chief Mankong called on UNHCR to consider a partnership with CORAfrica as he said “It is my desire that UNHCR partner with CORAfrica in changing the educational misfortune of these refugees and host community people”

    On his part, the Director General, Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, Mr Princewill Ayim, represented by the Programme Manager, Mr Hillary Agida commended Fr Peter Obele Abue for his passion for the vulnerable. He recalled that Fr Obele had founded the orphanage in Mbube where a lot of orphans have graduated into very meaningful persons in the society.

    He called on UNHCR to find an appropriate place for CORAfrica so that they can do even better for the refugees intervention.

    Mr Andy Ubong of National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, averred that “we are here to say thank you CORAfrica for the assistance given to the government of Nigeria to assist the refugees. We are ready to collaborate with you any time”

    Responding, the UNHCR Head of Ogoja Sub Office, Mr Tesfaye Bekele, who was represented by Mr Jonathan Derko, stated that “UNHCR in Ogoja have heard a lot about CORAfrica. The Country Representative has a very soft spot for children. She was here last month for the commisioning of the health centres at Adagom 1and Ukende.

    Bekele averred that investment in children is investing in the future, and used the opportunity to appreciate the good work of CORAfrica.

    Speaking further, he noted that “UNHCR looks forward to strengthening partnership with CORAfrica. “The more we see development like this, the more enthused we are to strengthen partnership” he added.

    The event featured presentation of keys and particulars of the bus to the Head Teacher of the school, as well as a presentation by the pupils of the school and host community youths.

  • CORAfrica Donates School Bus To Refugees At St Peter’s Primary School Adagom, Ogoja

    By Elijah Ugani

    A non-governmental and humanitarian organization, Children of Rural Africa (CORAfrica), has today 1st December, 2022 donated a bus to St Peter’s Primary School Adagom for use by refugees and host community children.

    Speaking during the presentation, the Founder/Chief Strategist of CORAfrica, Rev Fr Dr Peter Obele Abue noted that “the rationale behind the purchase of this bus is the long distance trekked by our pupils and our desire to provide the needed support to aid effective and conducive learning environment for them.

    “As part of our educational model and to provide support in addition to compliment the efforts of UNHCR, in providing the required education, we had rented this structure and commenced the basic training of these children last year, and we currently have a population of 500 pupils, comprising of 464 refugees and 36 host community children”

    Speaking further, Fr Obele maintained that “In addition to payment of staff stipends, we also provide snacks periodically for our pupils as a way of encouraging and stabilizing the children to enable them pay attention to the lessons taught.

    “In response to the rapid and increasing growing population beyond our expectation, and the need to ensure standard in providing for the educational needs of the pupils, CORAfrica has acquired 50 plots of land in Adagom 3, less than 100 meters away from our temporary site. Work has begun with over 30 trips of sand, 15 trips of gravel and 600 bags of cement for the construction of an ultra-modern 8 classroom block in the new site. God willing, by January 2023 a more conducive learning environment will be available for the pupils.

    “As an organization that is poised to emancipate the plight of rural African Children, we are determined to support the laudable initiative by UNHCR. We are committed to promoting inclusion and equitable learning opportunities for all, to improve access to education for refugees children in line with the global compact for refugees on education, as we anticipate further collaborations with UNHCR”.

    Fr Obele used the opportunity to commend UNHCR Head of Ogoja UNHCR Sub Office, for honoring their invitation to witness the historic presentation of the school bus and requested for an audience with the Head of Ogoja Sub Office to enable him share their plans and programmes with him, to ensure that such programmes align with UNHCR mandate.

    Chief Stephen Mankong who spoke on behalf of Adagom community, stated that “For us in the community, we are glad to be part of this occasion. Historically, since the coming of refugees to Adagom, this is the first major private donation of a person for the use of both the PoCs and the host community people”

    Chief Mankong called on UNHCR to consider a partnership with CORAfrica as he said “It is my desire that UNHCR partner with CORAfrica in changing the educational misfortune of these refugees and host community people”

    On his part, the Director General, Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, Mr Princewill Ayim, represented by the Programme Manager, Mr Hillary Agida commended Fr Peter Obele Abue for his passion for the vulnerable. He recalled that Fr Obele had founded the orphanage in Mbube where a lot of orphans have graduated into very meaningful persons in the society.

    He called on UNHCR to find an appropriate place for CORAfrica so that they can do even better for the refugees intervention.

    Mr Andy Ubong of National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, averred that “we are here to say thank you CORAfrica for the assistance given to the government of Nigeria to assist the refugees. We are ready to collaborate with you any time”

    Responding, the UNHCR Head of Ogoja Sub Office, Mr Tesfaye Bekele, who was represented by Mr Jonathan Derko, stated that “UNHCR in Ogoja have heard a lot about CORAfrica. The Country Representative has a very soft spot for children. She was here last month for the commisioning of the health centres at Adagom 1and Ukende.

    Bekele averred that investment in children is investing in the future, and used the opportunity to appreciate the good work of CORAfrica.

    Speaking further, he noted that “UNHCR looks forward to strengthening partnership with CORAfrica. “The more we see development like this, the more enthused we are to strengthen partnership” he added.

    The event featured presentation of keys and particulars of the bus to the Head Teacher of the school, as well as a presentation by the pupils of the school and host community youths.

  • Wife of Bekwarra Council Chairman, Embarks On Operation Back To School

     

    In a deliberate effort to ameliorate the burden on parents as they get their children/wards back to school for the 2021/2022 first term academic session, the Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Council, Hon Dr Emeka Josephat Owan throuuh His dear wife, Amb Mrs Lucy Owan embarked on “Operation Back to School”.

    The exercise commenced on tuesday, 11th October 2022 and lasted for two weeks with visitation to public primary schools across the Ten political wards of Bekwarra. The essence of the visit was to encourage all Bekwarra children in public primary schools to be hardworking and not relent in pursuing their dreams, as well as support their parents, considering the economic situations in the country.

    Highpoint of the exercise was the distribution of writing materials, textbooks, school bags, socks, and sandals to pupils in primary 1 to 6, as well as payment of school charges for some selected pupils.

    The school tour had in attendance the Director for Education, the Secretary, Bekwarra Education Authority, Supervisor for Education and other Council Appointees.

    Reacting to the kind and unprecedented gesture, the pupils and Head Teachers prayed God to Continue to bless the council chairman and his dear wife abundantly.

    The following were the schools visited during the tour:

    Gakem Ward:
    1. St Mark’s Primary School Gakem
    2. Community Primary School Akurinyi, Gakem
    3. St Bernard Primary School Ushara, Gakem
    4. Community Primary School Illah, Gakem

    Beten Ward:
    1. St. Justin Primary school, Beten
    2. St. Gregory’s Primary School Ikanda
    3. Community Primary School Abuana
    4. Johnpat Great Believers Academy, Akpakpa

    Otukpuru Ward:
    1. Community Primary School, Abuagbor Ukum.
    2. Community Primary School, Otukpuru-Afaa
    3. St. Theresa’s Primary School Bewo

    Abuochiche Ward:
    1. St Christopher Primary School, Abuochiche
    2. Holy Child Convent School. Abuochiche
    3. Excellent kids intentional nursery and primary school, Abuochiche, Bekwarra LGA

    Ibiaragidi Ward:
    1. St Peter’s Primary School, Ebegang
    2. St Dominic Primary School, Ibiaragidi-Iye
    3. St Sylvester primary School, Ububa Iye
    4. Community Primary School Ibiaragidi
    5. St . Celestine’s Primary School, Anyikang
    6. Federal Model Primary School Anyikang Alilam

    Nyanya Ward:
    1. Sacred Heart Primary school,Nyanya Idigwe
    2. St Edward’s Primary School Nyanya Ulim
    3. Community Primary School, Ugbamu, Nyanya.

    Ugboro Ward:
    1. St Paul Primary School, Utukwe
    2. St. Peter’s Primary School, Akurinyi
    3. St. Clement’s Primary School, Ugboro

    Afrike Okpeche Ward:
    1. St Ignatius Primary School, Afrike okpeche
    2. Community Primary School, American, Afrike Okpeche.

    Afrike Ochagbe:
    1. Community Primary School chool, Ilagos Ikahor, Ochagbe
    2. Community primary School, Kaduna Ochagbe
    3. St David’s Primary School Ochagbe

    Ukpah Ward:
    1. St. Augustine’s Primary School, Ukpah
    2. St Stephen’s Primary School Ukpah
    3. Holy Child Convent Primary School Ukpah
    4. St. Finbar’s Primary School Ukparibu

     

  • Jarigbe Agom Supports Centre For Visually Handicapped, Obudu Following The Withdrawal Of Subvention From C’River State Govt

    The Senator representing Cross River Northern Senatorial District, Sen Jarigbe Agom, has donated the sum of 1,000,000 ( One million Naira) in support of the Center for the visually handicapped, popularly known as the St Joseph Centre For The Visually Handicapped, Obudu.

    The gesture came as his attention was drawn to the plight of this School which recently came under severe hardship following the withdrawal of subvention to the School by Gov Ayade. To make matters worse, the school was recently burgled by criminals who made away with all the mattresses in the student’s hostel leaving them to sleep on bare floors.

    The deplorable situation became so bad that the head of the school, Rev Sister Janet-Maria Okorie, said they were considering shutting down the institution.

    St. Joseph Center for the visually handicapped was established by the Sisters of St. Mary Medical Mission of the Roman Catholic Church since the 1970s and has catered to generations of handicapped students over decades.

    Many have gone from the school to lead very successful academic careers with some of them presently lecturing in higher institutions including the University of Calabar, Cross River State.

    Some of them have also gained employment in various areas of human endeavour making them useful to themselves, their families and society instead of hawking their disabilities on the streets.

    The school celebrated its 50 years of existence in May this year, teaches braille and crafts in addition to normal academic subjects and remains a leading light in the Obudu community and it’s environs.

    The head of Centre, Rev Sr Jane Maria, expressed profound appreciation to Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe for his uncommon leadership and concern for the plight of the less privileged in society.

    She used the opportunity to call on spirited individuals both in public Service and private businesses to emulate Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe as to lift the less privileged from their disabilities so that they can lead useful lives as they are also God’s creatures and need to be catered for.

  • Jarigbe Agom Releases Funds For Payment Of Bursary To Students Of Cross River Northern Senatorial District In Higher Institutions

    BURSARY! BURSARY! BURSARY!

    The Senator Representing Cross River North, SENATOR JARIGBE AGOM JARIGBE, has released funds for the payment of BURSARY to Students from Cross River North, studying in various Tertiary Institutions.

    On that note, The National Presidents( World Wide) of NAOS, NAYLOGS and their counterparts in OBUDU, BEKWARRA and OBANLIKU should get in contact with Mr. Gospell Agom on 09021501669, for briefing.

    We welcome all Students back to School, as we are poised to giving you our support.

    Signed: TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • CRSG Mandate Proprietors Of Private Schools To Pay N20,000 For Re-Accreditation Or Lose Their License

    By Patrick Obia, CrossRiverWatch

    The Government of Cross River has mandated operators/owners of private schools in the State to pay a fee of N20,000 for re-accreditation – N5,000 for form while N15,000 as a fee.

    The directive which was contained in a circular with reference number MOE/QAD/1779/VOL.1, signed by Elder Emmanuel Agbor, Director/HOD Quality Assurance, on behalf of the Commissioner for Quality Education and made available to our newsroom warns that those who fail to comply will lose their license to operate.

    “You are to ensure that every school picks up the registration form of payment of N5,000 only, and return the completed form through your office with a registration fee of N15,000.00) only as agreed by stakeholders,” the circular reads in part.

    A source that wouldn’t want to be mentioned in print told CrossRiverWatch that the account receiving the money is an individual account and receipts are not issued after payment is made.

    Our newsroom was reliably informed that a re-accreditation exercise was carried out two years ago and N15,000 was charged per school.

  • UNICAL Disowns Fake Recruitment Advertisement Trending On Social Media

    ” UNICAL NOT RECRUITING”

    The University of Calabar has reacted to a ‘fake’ recruitment advertisement trending in the social media.

    The Public Relations Officer of the institution, Effiong.B. Eyo, in a statement on Monday warned members of the public to shun the advertisement as it did not emanate from the University.

    According to the statement, members of the public should be wary of the antics of fraudsters who are bent on deceiving them with the promise of offering them jobs in Unical.

    The Statement reads thus: ” the institution wishes to categorically state that it is currently not conducting any recruitment exercise.

    ” Should the institution decide to engage more hands, the Public will be notified through appropriate, recognized and official channels of communication”

    Signed:
    EFFIONG. B. EYO
    PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER UNICAL