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NUC Ranks PUMS 19th Best Private Varsity …As Abubakar, Wike Bag Doctorate Degrees
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has rated PAMO University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Port Harcourt currently the 19th best private university in the country.
This is even as the former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar and Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, have been conferred with honorary doctorate degrees by PAMO University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Port Harcourt.
The Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, who delivered the convocation lecture on the theme: “Higher Education: Private Universities and National Development” at the first convocation ceremony of the university, at Iriebe, near Port Harcourt, said private universities have continued to play a vital role in the national development of Nigeria.
According to Rasheed, PAMO is also the 35th best university out of 200 in the country.
He said the university, which has full accreditation from the commission, was also rated number one in female student enrolment index.
Rasheed, who spoke said the NUC was happy with the growth and development of PAMO University of Medical Sciences.
He said graduands would play active role in shaping the future of Nigeria.
The NUC executive secretary also described as false insinuations in some quarters that the proliferation of private universities has lowered the standard of education in the country, arguing that among top 10 universities in Nigeria, six were private universities.
Rasheed, who added that among 100 top universities in the country, 45 were private universities, commended the management of PUMS for their achievements within the last four years.
In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor of the university and Chairman, Governing Council, Dr. Peter Odili, described PUMS as God’s gift to humanity.
Speaking at the convocation ceremony, Odili also said the university has zero tolerance for all forms of vices.
According to him, “As a Governing Council, we have focused on the upholding of the vision, mission and core values and rules of the institution, by unapologetically insisting on total compliance to the rules and sanctions for any breaches by all staff and students. We believe that discipline is the key that will help make our graduates make the difference wherever they find themselves in the larger society”.
Odili, who was the former governor of Rivers State, described as unprecedented the support of Governor Nyesom Wike for Rivers students in the university, adding that Wike was the only governor in Nigeria who has given more support to medical students than any other.
He also charged the graduands to uphold the values which they have imbibed in the university, and apply them in their daily life outside the campus.
Also speaking, the Chancellor of the university and Chairman, Board of Trustees, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.) said the university, which was only four years old, has recorded tremendous achievements.
He said that PUMS was a university that has from its very beginning been setting records and blazing the trail among private universities in the country.
“From the planning stage of its establishment, licensing, commencement of academic programmes, through to exceptional performance in accreditation and professional examinations, collaboration and synergy with the state government and host community, and now, to the graduation of her first set of students, there are lessons for all. The success of PUMS is a reflection of what can be achieved when a committed, purposeful and visionary leadership is in charge of a process”, he said.
Earlier in his convocation address, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Michael Diejomaoh, said all courses in the Faculties of Basic Medical Sciences, and Allied Health Sciences have been fully accredited by the NUC with very high scores.
He said the institution also recently hosted a resource verification visit from Radiographer’s Registration Board of Nigeria; the regulatory bodies of Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, and Medical Laboratory Council of Nigeria have accredited the university’s allied health sciences courses, while the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria has also accredited the Pre-Clinical Basic Medical Science courses.
He said the institution has seen rapid infrastructural development, adding that the next phase of development would include the establishment of the Faculties of Dentistry and Pharmacy, other courses as well as Post Graduate Studies in all academic areas.
Diejomaoh announced that the university graduated 21 students from the Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry, Pharmacology and Physiology.
A total of 21 students graduated from the ceremony with one First Class, seven with Second Class Upper Division, 11 in Second Class Lower Divisions, and three with Third Class Honours.
Meanwhile, the former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar and Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike have been conferred with honorary doctorate degrees by PAMO University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Port Harcourt.
Abubakar was conferred with Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) Honoris Causa, while Wike bagged honorary degree of Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) Honoris Causa.
The awardees were, last Saturday, conferred with the honorary doctorate degrees during the first PUMS convocation ceremony in Port Harcourt, for their distinct contributions to the development, peace, democracy and general good of Nigeria.
While receiving the award, Abubakar commended Wike’s administration for offering scholarship to students of Rivers extraction studying in PAMO University.
According to him, the governor’s unrivalled contribution to the development of the university would forever be in the annals of her history.
The former Head of State noted that the success of PUMS was a demonstration of what can be achieved when state governments come in to support the provision of private education in their respective states.
He urged the Federal Government to extend similar support to private universities through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and other agencies of government through the various initiatives currently being enjoyed only by public institutions.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Nyesom Wike said the government and people of Rivers State were delighted with the establishment of PUMS, and the vast opportunities it has availed youths in the state to become highly educated and skillful medical professionals and practitioners.
He said the state government has university from its inception to date, by identifying with and contributing materially to its steady growth and progress.
“Back in 2017, we instituted a special public scholarship, covering tuition, accommodation and feeding to encourage our indigenous students to take advantage of the university and become graduates and professionals of the areas of interest.
“We have religiously implemented this scholarship programme for four consecutive years with almost 600 beneficiaries as at the last academic session.
“Today, I am very pleased to note that all the graduating students of Rivers State origin are scholars of the Rivers State Government educated and trained with public funds.
“In addition to the scholarship, which now costs well over N2.9billion to implement annually, we have also made several generous financial donations towards the infrastructural development of the university.”
He commended the former Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili, for establishing the first and only private medical university in the entire South-South geo-political region of Nigeria.
The governor, who attributed his success in life to faith in God and education, said his political life, just like that of Odili, has been a lesson in devotion, hard work and passion for success and service.
He narrated how his predecessor and current Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, under whose administration he served as Chief of Staff, tried to truncate his political career.
“But midway into his first tenure, I got the signal early enough that I have become a foe, and pencilled down to be politically brought down, extinguished or terminated.”
Wike explained that although his predecessor had reluctantly included his name among those he nominated to former President Goodluck Jonathan to be appointed as minister, he was never his first or preferred choice.
“He, therefore, worked twice as hard behind the scene to truncate my confirmation by the Nigerian Senate but failed because God said otherwise.
“Moving further forward, and when he noticed my ambition to succeed him as the governor of Rivers State; he immediately drew the battle line, and vowed that I could only succeed him over his dead body.
“Our contest was as intense and jugular as typical political enemies. Ultimately, I won and prevailed over him; but he acted the coward by refusing to commit the suicide he had promised if I became the governor of Rivers State. Thank God he chickened out and did not die.”
Wike announced an N500million grant to PAMO University; a post-graduate scholarship to the overall best graduating student, and N5million reward for each of the best departmental graduating students.
By: John Bibor
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We’re Working To Improve Quality Of Life Of Rivers People -Fubara …As Taraba Gov Inaugurates 6.55km Okania-Ogbogoro-Mgbaraja Roads Project
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated the commitment of his administration to render quality service that will improve the quality of life of residents, and strengthen the platform to promote unity.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance at the Okania-Ogbogoro Road junction, venue of the inauguration of the 6.55km Okania-Ogbogoro-Mgbaraja (and Mgbuoba) Roads project in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, yesterday.
The road cuts across Okania community through Ogbogoro, and connects Port Harcourt Ring Road project under construction, and was inaugurated by the Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas.
Governor Fubara said that during the campaigns, he saw the roads in terrible condition, made a promise to fix them, and noted that that promise has been kept.
He emphasised that his administration will never be reckoned with abandoning of projects that it started, which is why he is particularly excited that the road has been fixed to ease the inconveniences suffered by the people.
The Governor said, “What we are doing here today is very simple: Promise made, promise fulfilled. I told you that whatever we are going to start, we are not going to leave it halfway. So, we have come here this afternoon to fulfill that promise.
“I am so excited, and I am so happy. I am leaving here with so much joy that we have done something that has so much impact, and importance in the lives of our people. So, I feel very fulfilled. Government is about the people. Government is knowing, understanding and seeing what you can do to make life easy for your people.
“We understand the situation of this road. Fortunately, I have a few friends who also live around here. So, there is nothing you will say that I don’t know. As a government, we will continue to do those things we know will make life easy for you.”
The Governor thanked members of the communities in the area for their support to his administration, and also for cooperating with the contractor to ensure completion of the project.
He assured the people that their request for the rehabilitation of the Community Secondary School and Health Centre, will be looked at and addressed immediately, saying, “Our government is a government that takes the interest of our people very seriously.
“There is no government without the people. It is only the people that keep the government going. So, what we will continue to do is to make sure that the problems and interest of our people are top on our list,” he assured.
Performing the inauguration, Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, said roads are not just physical infrastructure but represent a commitment to facilitate ease of transportation, boost local commercial activities and improve quality of lives for the people of Rivers State.
Dr Kefas noted that Governor Fubara has provided the people good roads, and like other good roads, it will serve as an artery of development, further connecting communities, enhancing access to essential services while unlocking economic potentials.
He said, “By completing this project, Your Excellency has, once again, demonstrated the transformative impact of visionary leadership. When I was coming in with the Governor on a ride, I saw the joy, the happiness of the voiceless people who were abandoned and neglected in this area, coming out to wave and welcome us.
“It wasn’t a hired crowd. Everybody, those who couldn’t make it to this place, in front of their homes, they were waving at us, and I was telling the Governor: this is all about good governance. He listened to the people, and solved their problems. So, it shows that he is doing the right thing, and I want to thank you, my brother, for what you are doing for the good people, especially the poor people even in difficult times.”
Governor Kefas further said: “As we celebrate this milestone, I am reminded of the importance of collaboration and shared vision among us as Governors. Together, we can inspire our people, improve their lives, and create lasting legacies in our respective states.”
Providing the project description, the State Commissioner for Works, Barrister Elloka Tasie-Amadi, recalled that when it was flagged-off in May, 2024, the project was for a 5km stretch but was extended in October, to include Mgbaraja axis, increasing the length to 6.55km, explaining that the 10.3 meter wide, and 5km of drains road, has now linked Apara Kingdom to Nkpor Kingdom.
In his address, Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Amb Chijioke Ihunwo, described the road as a very significant route that was abandoned for years until Governor Fubara intervened and fixed it, promising that Obio/Akpor people will not take the gestures of the State Government under Governor Fubara for granted.
Speaking on behalf of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the firm that handled the project, Eric Shen, said they are happy to be part of the infrastructure development strides of Governor Fubara, stating that though the rains posed significant challenge, they have delivered quality road network to serve the connectivity needs of the people.
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We’ll Implement Judicial Commission’s Report On Arson, Killings -Fubara …Says Such Violence Must Stop In Rivers
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured of implementing the recommendations of the report submitted to him by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Arson, Killings, and Wanton Destruction of Property at some local government council headquarters on or around Monday, October 7, 2024.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance when the seven-member commission, led by the Chairman, Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, submitted four volumes of reports of their investigation and recommendations to him at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
The Governor declared that his administration will neither tolerate nor allow such level of violence in the State anymore because it is not profitable or productive.
He said, “We are not going to be part of any system that would encourage any destruction in this State. And for that reason, we had to inaugurate this commission, so that this commission should look into the remote and immediate causes of this problem.
“And I believe that the recommendations of this commission, with the help of God and the support of everyone, we will make sure that we implement the recommendations.”
Governor Fubara said: “We are going to take it to the next stage. The report will be presented to the Executive Council, and there, we will surely come out with the White Paper and with the White Paper. I can assure you, we are going to follow it to the end.
“Nobody is above the law, including me. So, provided what we are doing is within the confines of the law, we will do it with the help of every one.”
Governor Fubara recalled how, before 2014, a group of persons had ran wide recklessly in the State, burning down court buildings.
He noted that it is such persons, who had recently surfaced with their destructive tendencies, and have extended the violence to local government councils, killing people and destroying government property.
Governor Fubara wondered why somebody will spend so much money to build a structure intended to last as legacy of the administration but would eventually be part of its destruction in the name of politics.
Governor Fubara clarified that he has never been part of such destructive politics that continue to set the State backwards and frustrate progressive development strides.
Governor Fubara said: “I make bold to say it, I have never been and will never be a party to anything that will bring shame, disgrace, destruction to our dear State.
“It is our State. If it is well with us, it will be well with everybody. As a matter of fact, why should I encourage destruction, when I know that when you finish spoiling things, you still need money to rebuild them.
“I am an accountant, I know the importance of how we can manage money. Rather than spoil, you should use that money to do a new thing for the State.”
Governor Fubara vowed: “So, I am going to ensure that we put a stop to that level of violence or such unreasonable violence. I call it unreasonable violence because it doesn’t mean anything in politics.
“Politics is a business of interest. There is no permanent friend, no permanent enemy. Some persons who were not even in our support, today, they are here following us because their interest is the most important thing.
“Likewise tomorrow, if the interest changes, they will also go their different ways. So, why burn down the house?”
Governor Fubara thanked members of the commission for being bold, focused, and accomplishing their task with determination in the face of physical and legal threats.
In her presentation, Chairman of the seven-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry, Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, said they had put their findings into four volumes, including the recommendations.
Justice Minakiri explained: “We have here four volumes of the report. We have the memoranda, which is the memoranda we got after we made our publications.
“We also have the exhibits that came with the memoranda. We have the proceedings and the records. At the end of the day, we came up with the main report.”
Justice Minakiri advised that the recommendations of the report should be studied and implemented so that people can be deterred from such callous acts and the sought-after peace secured for the State.
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We Are Eager To Showcase The Best Of Rivers State -Fubara …Declares Federation Of Public Service Games Open
The Rivers State Government says it is committed to providing a memorable experience for all delegates participating in the Federation of Public Service Games(FEPSGA) hosted by the State Government.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara stated this during the opening Ceremony of the 43rd Edition, Public Service Games, titled ”Simplified Rivers 2024″, at Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt, last Sunday.
Speaking through his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, Governor Fubara said “Our hospitality is renowned and we are eager to showcase the best of Rivers State. From top-notch facilities to a secure environment, we have everything in place to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants.”
Governor Fubara said to ensure the success of the games his Administration has put in place comprehensive plans and preparations with four venues approved for the events which include the Sharks Stadium, Alfred Diette -Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt Club and the University of Port Harcourt.
The State Chief Executive urged participants to remember that the true spirit of FEPSGA goes beyond winning medals, stressing that it is about building bridges of friendship, fostering a sense of community and celebrating our diversity.
According to him, we envision a public service that is more productive, more efficient and more effective, a future where public servants are empowered to deliver exceptional results driven by a culture of excellence, innovation and teamwork.
The Governor reiterated that while a healthy mind and body are essential for high productivity, regular physical activity boosts our mood, increases energy levels and enhances our cognitive function. We are eager to showcase the best of Rivers State. From top-notch facilities to a secure environment.
In her address Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who spoke through Dr.(Mrs) Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Interior Commended Governor Fubara for hosting this year’s event, and for his dedication to promoting sports and fostering unity in the country.
She noted that the event which serves as a platform for furthering unity, camaraderie and sportsmanship amongst public servants, was a celebration of their shared commitment to excellence, resilience and service to the nation.
Also speaking the National President of the Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA), Comrade Amaebi Aloku, said Rivers State got the nod to host the annual event because the Federation was pleased with the vision of Governor Fubara in identifying with the needs of the Civil Servants in the State, in terms of their welfare and being one of the first State to implement the new minimum wage and even taking it above what was approved by the national.
Earlier the Head of Service Rivers State, Dr George Nwaeke had welcomed all participants to the State and expressed gratitude to the Governor for approving and making available the resources to host the games, noting that it was an opportunity to interact with all Civil Servants across the nation.
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