A renowned lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Bourdillon Omijeh, has called on universities to upscale their  academic curriculum to keep up with the advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Omijeh stated this while delivering the 196th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Port Harcourt, last week.

Speaking on the topic: “Embedded Systems, The Game Changer On Modern Industrialisation”, he discussed what he described as Education 4.0, emphasizing the need to integrate digital and innovative skills into education to keep up with rapid technological changes with Artificial Intelligence.

“Education 4.0 has to do with education in the fourth industrial revolution, whereby you have build in the emerging digital skills. The jobs that are available now, in the next few years, will phase out, because we are now in the era of full automation.

“Artificial Intelligence is taking the whole lead, and so we need to develop manpower for industry. If we go to the oil and gas today, it is a transformed oil and gas system, whereby all the things that would have been done mechanically are being done automatically”, he said.

Omijeh called on government to prioritize human capacity development, saying that while infrastructural projects may face setback, investing in youth education and equipping students with relevant technological skills will enable them to earn livelihood during their studies.

He stressed the importance of acquiring practical skills alongside formal education, adding that relying solely on academic certificates will no longer be sufficient in today’s fast-changing digital landscape.

In his speech, the Vice Chancellor of University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, highlighted Prof. Omijeh’s impact on the school.

“Prof. Omijeh is a game-changer. He has attracted so much to the university in terms of collaboration. And I must tell you, do not think it is easy that you make people from outside the country come here, bring equipment, bring money, trust you enough to say you can carry out research and give them results.

“You know we are in an era of digital transformation and so every curriculum must take into cognizance the fact that the digital transformation has come to stay.

“So, in whichever way you want to teach, in whichever way you want to research, you must think digital as the way to go. So, embedded systems have come to stay in the University of Port Harcourt”, he said.

The lecture showcased Prof. Omijeh’s research breakthrough in embedded systems, emphasizing their impacts on industrial revolution, community development and global recognition.

His innovations include GSM-based control device for home appliances, GSM-based remote control robotic car, among others.

The Inaugural Lecture recommended that the federal government should invest massively in Education 4.0 and the production sector of the economy, fund start-ups, innovation hubs and create smart factories.

It also recommended for improved curriculum and teaching methodology for embedded systems and emerging technology, among others.

The outgoing Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt, Prof. Nlerum Okogbule, has commended the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminilayi Fubara, for his support towards the successful completion of his tenure.

Okogbule said he owed the governor a debt of gratitude for his support to his administration and his decision to allow him continue from office as the Vice Chancellor despite being appointed by Fubara’s estranged godfather and  predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

The outgoing Vice Chancellor stated this during a valedictory press briefing held at the university’s auditorium to give account of his five-year single tenure as the Vice chancellor of the university.

“The essence of this briefing is to give account of my stewardship, achievements and challenges within the period under review.

“First, let me thank the Almighty God for seeing me through in good health despite the office challenges. He has really been faithful. My appreciation also goes to the two governors who are visitors to the university for appointing me and for as well, allowing me complete my tenure,” he said.

Okogbule expressed joy for the opportunity given to him to serve the State, saying he was bowing out from the office as a fulfilled man who has served meritoriously and also achieved a lot in the development of the institution.

He noted that RSU became one of the best universities in the country under his watch and listed the establishment of the school’s satellite campus in Etche, Emohua and Ahaoda as part of his achievements.

According to him, academic activities in those satellite campus are in their third years.

“We could not complete that of Keren in Khana lga because we could not complete the remodeling of the campus; so the students will continue to remain at the main campus,” he added.

Okogbule also pointed out that the graduation and induction of first set of medical nurses and midwifery students took place during his administration, while also achieving full accreditation of many courses for the university.

On the challenges faced by his administration, the Vice Chancellor identified lack of funding and power supply as major constraints, and advised his successor to look for alternative sources for power generation.

He expressed appreciation to his management team, staff and students including the media for the support given to him during his tenure and urged them to extend same to his successor.

Our correspondent reports that Prof. Okogbule’s five-year single term comes to an end today (Wednesday), having being appointed on March 5, 2020 by the former governor of the State, Nyesom Wike.

Amadi Akujobi

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that there shall be an immediate intervention at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education to improve and upgrade available infrastructure.

The Governor said in the coming days, construction work shall begin for an Administrative Block, Male and Female Hostels, Health Centre, and a Sports Complex.

Governor Fubara gave the approval shortly after undertaking an inspection tour of available facilities at the institution in Rumuolumeni community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, last Wednesday.

The Governor was conducted round the institution by the Vice Chancellor, Prof Okechukwu Onuchukwu and the Chairman of the Governing Council, Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka.

The Governor explained that his visit was based on a request made by the Governing Council to the State Government to intervene urgently and provide some critical infrastructure in the institution.

Governor Fubara said: “This afternoon, I can say that, from what I have seen here, the improvement recorded is very regrettable. It is only those ones that have been achieved through TETFUND, and it is unfortunate that as a government, we have not done much to a school that is under our control.

“I can make bold to say this afternoon from what I have seen, the way the school has also managed itself, we will immediately grant the requests of the Governing Council.

“The requests include building of new hostels for both male and female; administrative block; a new health centre; and sports complex. I think you can consider those requests all granted here and approved.”

Governor Fubara, who commended the Vice Chancellor for doing a good job by providing the required leadership, urged the entire management team to continue to ensure that the best standard is achieved.

The Governor also said: “I want to make an appeal too to the students. You have the opportunity to be here today. Make good use of this very rare opportunity.

“Don’t just pass through the school. If you are passing through the school alone, you will end up not getting anything. Allow the school to pass through you so that when you leave, you will leave with something impactful from the school.”

Governor Fubara said his administration will leave no stone unturned in doing what is needed to be done in improving the state of infrastructure and quality of learning at the institution.