Niger Delta
Rector Wants Auchi Poly Upgraded To Varsity
The Rector, Auchi Polytechnic, Dr. Phillipa Idoghbo, has urged the Federal Government to upgrade the polytechnic to a degree a warding institution.
Idogho told newsmen in Auchi that the institution had the necessary prerequisites and facilities to become a degree awarding institution.
The rector said that the management of the polytechnic had within the last three years aggressively pursued physical and human capital development to meet the standard required for upgrading.
She explained that since she took over the management of the polytechnic three years ago, she and the management team deliberately pursued policies that would transform the polytechnic.
“The management built over 30 classrooms and more offices as well as providing furniture and equipment in various departments.
“We have reinvigorated the overseas training as no fewer than 11 staff had so far benefited from the scheme. We have also encouraged others who are pursuing higher degree programmes in various higher institutions in the country.
According to her, the polytechnic was in August ranked the best polytechnic in the country by Webometrics and described the ranking as the beginning of world’s recognition of the institution.
Idogho appealed to relevant agencies in the education sector to review upward, the admissions of new students to the polytechnic from its present level of 5,000, pointing out that more than 26,000 candidates sat for this year’s post UTME in the institution.
Meanwhile, the President of Cumberland County College, US. Dr. Thomas Isekenegbe has called for more emphasis on technical education in Nigeria to enhance national development.
Isekenegbe said in a lecture at the 19th convocation of Auchi Polytechnic, Edo, that the economic development of any country depended on the quality of technical education it offered.
The lecture was titled: “Knowledge and Training: the Need for more Experiential Learning in Nigeria Technical Education”.
Isekenegbe advocated the use of experiential learning as the most effective methods of teaching.
In her remark, the Rector of Auchi Polytechnic Dr. Phillipa Idogho, stressed the need for more experiential lerning if education must be efficient and effective.
She said the essence of the Polytechnic was to teach, research and to offer community and national service.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Rt Hon Evans Bipi, has eulogised Gen Gabriel Asabuja over his recent birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
Bipi said Asabuja is worth celebrating following his numerous contributions and support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He described Asabuja as a strong pillar of governance in Rivers State, adding that the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning is happy working with him.
He noted that Asabuja’s position as a team leader of the Ministry’s taskforce has been amazing, saying the Ministry is proud associating with him.
The former lawmaker hinted that since Asabuja assumed office as leader of the taskforce, the Ministry has witnessed tremendous improvement.
Bipi said the Ministry will always stand by him to ensure that the dreams of the Governor Fubara-led government are achieved.
On his part, the celebrant, Gen Gabriel Asabuja expressed gratitude to God and the Commissioner for the honour done him.
Gen Asabuja also commended Governor Fubara for his tremendous and good leadership in the State, saying his group will continue to give the Governor maximum support in order to achieve more for Rivers people.
Gen Asabuja described Rt Hon Evans Bipi as one of the best brains working with the Governor, saying under Bipi, the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has shown capacity to leverage on the Governor’s mantra of Rivers First.
He said both the personnel of the Ministry, the Directors and adhoc staff are happy with his style of leadership.
The Joint Provincial Council, East of the Niger, Anglican Communion, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, Diocese of Evo from Saturday 15th — Sunday 16th February, 2025.
The meeting which had the theme, “Kept By His Mercies”, with text from Lamentations 3:22-23, had the Archbishops, Bishops, their wives, Chancellors, Financial Secretaries and Synod Clerical Secretaries of the 58 Dioceses as delegates.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev Blessing Enyindah, charged delegates to stay focused and committed to the matters for discussion and implement decisions reached for the growth of the Church in the region and the advancement of the business of God’s Kingdom.
Most Rev Enyindah, who is also the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, lauded the Diocese of Evo for the giant strides recorded in just 15 years of existence while tasking the leadership not to rest on its oars but to strive further to complete the work of the Kingdom in their hands.
Addressing the council in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo and host of the Joint Council, The Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, welcomed the delegates, and reminded them that the theme is apt and fit as it reminds the Church of God’s inexplicable and instructible mercy towards mankind, which supersedes His righteous judgements.
Bishop Ordu further lamented the many challenges bedeviling the country, such as skyrocketing cost of living, ravaging sicknesses and ailments, proliferation of harmful drugs, natural disasters, high level corruption in public offices, inept political leadership, amongst others, which he said could not consume mankind because of God’s mercies.
In their separate speeches, delegates saluted the Diocese of Evo for willingly accepting to host the council and the comfort they enjoyed during their stay.
Earlier, the council appointed the Synod’s Clerical Secretary of the Diocese of Evo, Rev (Canon) (Dr) Ebenezer Owhor as the Assistant Secretary of the Joint Council.
Also, before the commencement of plenary, the women of St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery thrilled delegates to good traditional tunes and dance steps while His Royal Highness Eze( Sir) Raymond Chinda led the chiefs and elders of Rumuomasi community in Oropotoma Kingdom, to appreciate the council for choosing the community to host the meeting.
They solicited for prayers of peace, unity and development from the council.
The meeting ended on Sunday evening while the Archbishops and Bishops worshipped in various churches in the Diocese of Evo.