Governor Fubara Approves Massive ₦7 Billion Projects for IAUE

The Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, is set to experience significant infrastructural development following the approval of massive projects by Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Joseph Fubara.

The projects, worth over ₦7 billion, were announced by the Chairman of Senate, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, during the university’s Senate meeting held on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.

The approved projects include the construction of two sets of nine-classroom blocks, one set of fifteen-classroom blocks with professorial offices, and two student hostels. These projects are expected to address the university's long-standing issues of inadequate classrooms and office spaces for lecturers.

In his address, Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Onuchuku, urged staff and students to be patient as they will witness substantial improvements to the university’s infrastructure before the end of the year. He also cautioned against giving or receiving any form of gratification, noting that such actions attract negative consequences.

Security issues on the IAUE campuses were a focal point during the meeting. The Head of Ndele Campus, Professor Isaac Ogundu, raised concerns about recurrent property theft at the New Haven section of the university, urging immediate solutions. Additionally, Professor Joyce Akaniwor addressed the issue of indecent dressing on campus, advising lecturers to mentor students on proper behavior, similar to how they would guide their own children. She suggested that students who dress inappropriately should not be allowed into classrooms.

Professor Onuchuku responded by emphasizing that security is a collective responsibility. He warned that security personnel would be held accountable for items stolen in areas they oversee and called for stricter action against cultism, urging lecturers to report offenders to the authorities.

The meeting also tackled concerns about declining academic standards and corruption within the university. Associate Dean of the Postgraduate School, Professor Chibuzor Nwobueze, condemned practices such as extortion, setting examinations without teaching, and collecting money for textbooks that are not provided. He called for a shift in attitudes and reminded lecturers of their responsibility to the future generation.

Professor Eze Chris Akani, Head of the Political Science Department, expressed concerns about students’ declining commitment to their studies, linking poor performance to absenteeism. He called on lecturers to lead by example to inspire their students.

In a bid to tackle the myriad challenges facing the institution, Professor Samuel Amaele proposed reactivating the university's Board of Honour to reward exemplary behavior and the Board of Shame to publicly call out those who misbehave. Similarly, Dr. Martins Adekanmbi suggested the creation of a Police Community Relations Committee Cadet to improve security on campus.

Professor Onuchuku concluded by urging collective action to preserve the university's reputation. He also highlighted that IAUE has consistently received praise for its NYSC mobilization and admission processes, unlike some universities that have been found mobilizing ineligible individuals.

The Senate also approved the first-semester results from various faculties and the Centre for Continuing Education, with second-semester results to be reviewed at the next meeting.

These development projects and discussions signal a significant turning point for IAUE, as it prepares to address both infrastructural and social challenges, fostering a more secure and academically sound environment for its community.