Rebisi Monarch Pledges Full Support for IAUE Governing Council, St. John’s Campus Development

The Paramount Ruler of Port Harcourt and Eze Epara Rebisi XII, His Royal Majesty, Eze Uche Isaiah Elikwu, has assured the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Rumuolumeni, of maximum support and sustained cooperation toward the growth and development of the institution.

The monarch gave the assurance on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, when he received the 13th Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of IAUE, Chief Chinyere Igwe, alongside other council members, during a courtesy visit to his palace in Port Harcourt.

Expressing delight over the visit, the Royal Father described it as the first official engagement with the University’s Governing Council since his ascension to the throne and since the institution’s establishment over five decades ago. He commended IAUE for its academic milestones and for producing graduates who have distinguished themselves as worthy ambassadors of the University.

Eze Elikwu assured the University of the full backing of the Rebisi Kingdom, pledging to address challenges confronting the institution and to strengthen synergy between the University and its host community in the interest of state development. He also acknowledged the support of his Council of Chiefs and praised IAUE for producing his wife, Her Royal Majesty, Dr. (Mrs) Juliet Elikwu, Head of the Department of Foreign Languages and International Studies, whom he described as a symbol of intellectual excellence and institutional pride.

The monarch expressed gratitude for gifts presented by the delegation and, in return, presented them with a cow, twenty tubers of yam, and two George wrappers.

In his remarks, Chief Chinyere Igwe thanked the monarch for granting the visit despite short notice and explained that the Rivers State Government inaugurated the 13th Governing Council on September 11, 2025. He noted that the visit formed part of a familiarisation tour to brief the traditional ruler on the Council’s plans for St. John’s Campus and to seek royal blessings and support.

Chief Igwe described St. John’s Campus as a historic academic centre that has produced graduates excelling across various sectors, reaffirming the Council’s commitment to sustaining the vision of the University’s founding fathers. He commended the monarch for assuring continued cordial relations and pledged that the institution would justify the confidence reposed in its leadership.

Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of IAUE, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, explained that the visit to St. John’s Campus was aimed at assessing existing facilities and seeking support for infrastructural renewal. He noted that ongoing renovations and campus transformation would stimulate economic activities, attract businesses, and positively impact the host community. The Vice-Chancellor appealed to the monarch to advocate for state government intervention to give the campus a comprehensive facelift.

Professor Onuchuku highlighted the contributions of prominent sons and daughters of the Rebisi Kingdom serving the University, including Professor Levi Doe Kalagbor, Professor Clement Ogbonda, Professor Kingsley Gbeke Kalagbor, and Her Royal Majesty, Dr. Juliet Elikwu.

Following the palace visit, the Governing Council undertook an inspection tour of facilities at St. John’s Campus along Aba Road, including the Entrepreneurial Centre, School of Basic Studies, College of Continuing Education, and the Graduate School of Business.

Addressing staff during the visit, Chief Igwe said the Council was committed to staff welfare and urged employees to uphold high ethical standards, warning that misconduct would attract the full weight of the law. He assured staff of the Council’s support and pledged to engage host community stakeholders constructively.

The Pro-Chancellor also met with the St. John’s Campus Landlord Association, commending existing partnerships and promising to address concerns within available resources. He acknowledged the inadequacy of current stipends for casual workers and assured that the Council would pursue an upward review.

Earlier, the General Secretary of the Landlord Association, Mr. Anele Ogoloma, appreciated the University for scholarships and admission opportunities extended to host community members, while appealing for employment opportunities, contract awards, improved welfare packages, and formalised agreements.

Votes of thanks were delivered by the Head of St. John’s Campus, Professor Clement Ogbonda, and the Director of the School of Basic Studies, Professor Reuben Ogidi, who congratulated the Pro-Chancellor on his appointment and expressed optimism about the reforms promised by the new Governing Council.