The Acting Vice Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Prof. Okechuku Onuchuku, has harped on the need for technology-based human capital development in Nigeria.

Onuchuku, who made the call while declaring open the 5th International Conference of the Faculty of Humanities of the University, recently, charged stakeholders to focus on the development of citizens at all times.

Focusing on human capital development through Artificial Intelligence (AI), he said, “development without human capital development amount to a waste of valuable resources.

“No matter the sector, every development must be geared towards improving the welfare of citizens for progress and growth in that sector according to him”.as

While referring to Artificial intelligence as computer systems capable of performing complex tasks that historically only a human could do, such as reasoning, making decisions or solving problems, he allayed fears that jobs of humans will be completely eroded.
The Acting Vice Chancellor added that though computers, through programming, are mimicking human intelligence processes and built to think, act like humans, and replicate problem solving abilities, they cannot completely take over the job of humans.
Humans, he said, “will use artificial intelligence to develop whatever Unit, Community, State and Nation that they find themselves in”.
Professor Onuchuku informed that it is for economic growth and development that humans are confronting the environment with a view to producing those services that can create comfort, stressing that Artificial intelligence is one way to do that.
In his welcome address, the Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Professor Kingdom Eke Orji, affirmed that in the 21st century’s globalised society, “knowledge has been identified as the indisputable fifth factor of production and the pivot on which meaningful holistic development resolved”.
He stated that a knowledge-driven economy is a brand in the production, distribution, and exchange, while consumption of goods and services are anchored strategically on the threshold of intellectual property that dovetails into the acceleration of scientific innovation.
According to the Dean, “the integration of Artificial intelligence into the realm of the Humanities marks a watershed in repositioning erstwhile research mechanisms for digitalization and automation.
AI, he said, has the capacity of assisting scholars in the Humanities with data analysis and decision-making, breaking of communication barriers through Artificial intelligence powered language translation tools, the creation of functional robotic systems amidst others.
Professor Orji emphasized that the unique feature of the Conference is its noble attempt to mainstream the “Gown and Town” symbiotic relations.

He expressed gratitude to the Acting Vice Chancellor for what he described as his “steadfastness and unflinching commitment to the maximum successes of all conferences at the Departmental and Faculty levels”.

Speaking on, “The Promises of Artificial intelligence in the Humanities: An African Perspective and the Charge for IAUE”, the Acting Director, ICT Centre, Dr. Nathaniel Ojekudo, highlighted the gains of a high level understanding of Artificial intelligence concepts, applications and implications, particularly within the African context.

He explored the transformative potentials of generative Artificial intelligence and it’s impact on academia, governments, industries and society.

He also reflected on the ethical considerations and challenges associated with Artificial intelligence and identified opportunities for IAUE to leverage Artificial intelligence for innovation, education and societal benefits.

The Natural Ruler and Nyeweli Ali Rumuolumeni Kingdom, His Royal Highness King Chukwuemeka Victor E. N. Woji Okocha Olumeni, Olumeni XII, was conferred with an award of honour for his role in keeping peace and security which has translated in the giant strides recorded in the University Community.

In his response to the award received, the Nyeweli Ali, Rumuolumeni Kingdom, expressed gratitude to the Faculty of Humanities for the honour done him and pledged his support and that of his Council of Chiefs towards all university activities.

He also stressed the essence of Artificial intelligence in the new world of technology and advised staff and students to key into it, adding that technology is the way to go.

Professor Tunde Ope Davies of the Centre for Digital Humanities, University of Lagos presented the lead paper at the conference which focused on “The Role of New Technologies in Reconfiguring and Retooling the Humanities: Exploring DH and AI”.

The theme for the conference was “AI and the Humanities”.

Sogbeba Dokubo

Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rivers State, now has a total of 114 Professors following the promotion of 17 new ones to the position, recently.
The promotion of the 17 new Professors followed the recent consideration and subsequent ratification of their promotion by the University Governing Council on Monday June 24, 2024 as recommended by the Appointments and Promotions Committee (A and PC) Academic Part 11.
The Chairman of Senate, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, disclosed this during the statutory Senate Meeting held last Wednesday at the Postgraduate Hall.
Those promoted to the professorial cadre are: Udechukwu Jonathan Ogon of the Department of Educational Psychology, Guidance and Counselling. Professor of Educational Measurement and Evaluation, in the Faculty of Education.
Faculty of Humanities has: Glory Worukwo of the Department of English and Communication Art, who is Professor of Syntax and Phonology; Amala Peace Ibala of the Department of English and Communication Art, Professor of African Literature; and Grave Nelson of the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, Professor of Graphic Design and Art History.
The Faculty of Management Sciences has Anucha Victor Chima of the Department of Marketing, Professor of Marketing (Green Marketing).
In the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, there are: Wokoma Okorinama Abarinkia of the Department of Biology, Professor of Environmental Management; Ojekudo Nathaniel Akpofure of the Department of Computer/Mathematics, Professor of Applied Mathematics; Pepple Tamunosisi Furo of the Department of Chemistry, Professor of Science Education (Chemistry); Ogbonda Clement of the Department of Physics, Professor of Solid State; and Eke Peter Ogochukwu of the Department of Physics, Professor of Applied Geophysics.
In Faculty of Social Sciences are: Sylvanus Amadi of the Department of Economics, Professor of Monetary Economics; Nye Oruwari of the Department of Economics, Professor of Public Finance; Naluba Nwiekpugi Goddy of the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Professor of Regional Development Planning; Goddey Wilson of the Department of Political Science, Professor of Public Administration; Idoniboye-Obu Sakiemi Abbey of the Department of Political Science, Professor of Comparative Politics; and Michael Chukwunwike Uzorka of the Department of Sociology, Professor of Sociology of Development.
Concluding the 17 is Ann Ifeoma Asouzu of the Department of Home Economics, Hospitality and Tourism, Professor of Home Economics Education (Food and Nutrition), in the Faculty of Vocational and Technical Education (Voctech).
There were also 22 upgrades to the position of Associate Professor (Reader).
Of the 22, the Faculty of Education leads with a total of six persons: Benebo Solomon Willielmina of the Department of Early Childhood and Primary Education, Reader in Early Childhood Education; Oji Emmanuel of the Department of Adult Education and Community Development, Reader in Community Development; Ephraim Kpeno Amon of the Department of Adult Education and Community Development, Reader in Environmental Adult Education.; Obindah Fortune of the Department of Educational Psychology Guidance and Counselling, Reader in Educational Psychology; Asuk Unyejit William of the Department of Educational Psychology Guidance and Counselling, Reader in Educational Measurement and Evaluation; and Emenike Amadi O. of the Department of Educational Management, Reader in Educational Management.
This is followed by the Faculty of Social Sciences, which had five upgrades: Ojima Davis of the Department of Economics, Reader in Public Finance; Asuru Chikanele of the Department of Economics, Reader in Development Economics; Nzidee Williams of the Department of Economics, Reader in Monetary Economics; Ajoku Bright Chika of the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Reader in Regional Development Planning; and Deedam Dorka Godbless of the Department of Sociology, Reader in Sociology of Development.
The Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences took yhe next turn with four upgrades: Wagbara Onwudiwe Samuel of the Department of Chemistry, Reader in Science Education (Chemistry), Festus Chioma of the Department of Chemistry, Reader in Inorganic Chemistry Coordination/Organo Metallic; Orisa Charity of the Department of Human Kinetics, Health and Safety Education, Reader in Public Health Education,; and Owo Wisdom James of the Department of Integrated Science, Reader in Science Education (Chemistry).
Faculty of Management Sciences came next with three upgrades: Okpolosa Onyebuchi Mathew of the Department of Accounting, Reader in Financial Accounting, Nwekeala Benard of the Department of Marketing, Reader in Entrepreneurial Marketing, and Njoku Charity Chinasa of the Department of Office and Information Management, Reader in Human Resource Management.
Faculty of Humanities and that of Vocational and Technical Education (Votech) took the rear with two upgrades each: Nwombu Ugochukwu Kingsley of the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, Reader in Arts Education; and Michael Blessed Thomas of the Department of History and Diplomatic Studies, Reader in Intergroup Relations and Socio-Political History Humanities), while Technical Education has Chiorlu Divine Onyema of the Department of Technical Education, Reader in Industrial Technical Education (Electrical/Electronics); and Robinson Reagan Nnabio of the Department of Technical Education, Reader in Industrial Technical Education (Electrical/Electronics).
While congratulating those elevated, the Acting Vice Chancellor of IAUE, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, urged all to be their brother’s keeper.
He assured that he will continue to do good and be nice to all irrespective of their hatred, and prayed for those trying to tarnish his image with cheap blackmail, emphasizing that he is not moved or bothered as “a clear conscience fears no accusations”.
Professor Onuchuku informed that the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Joseph Fubara, has approved the recruitment of staff for the institution, 1,100 for teaching staff of Professorial cadre to Graduate Assistants, and 400 For non-teaching staff from Clerical to Administrative Officers.
He expressed gratitude to the Governor for the kind gesture and remarked that the Governing Council is working assiduously towards the exercise, adding that advertisement will soon be put up for Council to receive applications from would-be candidates
The Chairman of Senate enjoined staff to continue to carry out their duties diligently and reiterated that students who do not meet up the seventy percent class attendance will not be allowed to write examination.
The Senate approved results from the Faculties of Education, Humanities, Management Sciences, Natural and Applied Sciences, and Social Sciences.
Others include results from Community Service, Siwes and Centre for Continuing Education (CCE).

By: Sogbeba Dokubo

The management of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) says it would begin kidney transplant by October 2024.
Chairman of Medical Advisory Committee, (MAC), UPTH, Prof Datonye Alasia, gave the timeline for the operation at the hospital grounds presentation by the Renal Department.
Prof Alasia said UPTH is collaborating with the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas, NLNG, and other organisations to equip the centre for the service.
“NLNG has a foundation where they support healthcare and they have been doing this across the country. So for us, there is an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to equip a dialysis centre, but we felt that would be limited in scope. So, we had to find a way to push it up to align with our plans for a transplantation centre, so that collaboration is there and we are happy to say that NLNG has done something significant.
“They have funded the provision of equipments and some supports to the external works and we are actually at eighty five percent of completion and that’s going to contribute to the success of the project.
“For us, our strategic timeline is October 2024 and that’s what we are working towards, but, of course, if all the assumptions go as we planed, it will be October because we have trainings of staff, people will travel, MoUs will be signed, procurement timelines will also affect us, but our focus is to stay on that date and see that we achieve it”, he said.
On the importance of the Ground rounds presentation, the Chairman said the essence is to get the hospital community and the public to be aware of the services and what’s involved in it.
“For today, we have the Renal Department presenting because of the planned renal transplantation and the essence is to create the awareness internally and from the programme you see that it involves different professional groups such as nephrology, pharmacists, paediatricians, nurses, psychologists and virtually everybody in the hospital. So, it is a multi-disciplinary thing.
”This presentation also helps members of the team to have a better understanding of what they are expected to offer, transplant patients and every aspect of the service that will influence the patients journey. We also believe that this would improve that multi-disciplinary team spirit”, he explained.
The MAC Chairman further said UPTH has commenced a transplant clinic to further demonstrate its preparedness for the transplantation programme.
“We have kicked-off the transplant clinic. While it was there, it was not structured specifically to attend to patients before transplant and post transplant, but now there is a deliberate attempt to structure it to make the public know clearly that the transplant clinic is a dedicated service.
“We used to run within the nephrology clinic before and the urology clinic but it’s now a clinic of its own. That’s the first step, the public should know that the service is being offered here as a collaboration and partnership with people such as foundations who have interest to support transplantation and they may now find that since they are aware, they can now interface and network with us to see how they can support because kidney transplantation is a very cost intensive venture”, Alasia said.
Earlier, UPTH Transplant Team Leader, Professor Onyenunam Okeke said the presentation at the Ground Rounds centred on the prospects of starting a kidney transplant programme in UPTH, adding that the hospital has qualified personnel to handle kidney disease cases.
“UPTH has a large team. UPTH is set up as an institution for trainning, Service and for research, but we are highlighting the area of service, so we have a lot of skilled personnel and we have the patients that also requires transplant. We have not started before now but we are in the process of starting the transplant programme”, he explained further.
Okeke disclosed that the programme is part of the management’s strategic programme, saying UPTH is collaborating with organisations and sister institutions to get the service started.
“The present management of the hospital as part of the five years development programme wants to carryout this kidney transplant.
“We cannot do it alone, so we are collaborating with some centres, both locally and internationally, and through the efforts of management, we have a specific building that’s design for it”, he said.
Okeke, who doubles as Deputy Provost, College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, urged members of the public to know that when kidney fails they can be replaced, stressing that the process of transplantation is safe and for all and sundry.

By: Chinedu Wosu