Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has solicited support to rescue Nigerian universities from moral and sexual perverts to guarantee effective impartation of knowledge.
The governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, stated this at the 37th Convocation Ceremony of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education in Port Harcourt at the weekend
He also approved the immediate release of N500m grant to the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education to enable it continue its transformation programmes.
He restated the state government’s zero tolerance for cultism, sexual harassment, examination malpractice, ‘sorting,’ sale of handouts and extortion of students.
Wike directed the university’s administration to investigate and disengage any lecturer or staff who engages in money-for-grade, sex-for-grade and other untoward practices in the tertiary institutions.
“We must rescue our universities from moral and sexual perverts and keep them safe and healthy for effective impartation of knowledge to take place,” he said.
The governor said the state government under his watch would continue to invest and take necessary practical measures to strengthen the university to enable it deliver on its mandate for the development of the Rivers People and greater good of the state.
He described the institution as a leading university for the training of educators in Nigeria, stressing that teachers were the foundation of any viable educational system.
The governor explained that the state government established the university as a specialised institution for the practical training of graduate teachers for the state’s educational system.
He commended the Vice Chancellor and his team for enhancing the university’s carrying capacity, successfully mounting new academic programmes and graduating its first set of doctorate degree students.
He expressed gratitude to the presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, David Ibiyeomie for fulfilling his promise of donating a female hostel block for the university and prayed God to continue to prosper the Church.
Wike commended the graduates as their convocation represented the triumph of toil, the result of effort and the outcome of hard work, saying it was always a proud moment for parents, guardians, teachers and the university administration.He also urged them to set their priorities right, locate prospects and opportunities in the seeming challenges and invest more of their time, energy and resources into productive ventures.
Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, King Aaron Miller Ikuru reassured the state government that they would continue to work with uncompromising zeal for excellence, integrity and service.
On his part, Vice- Chancellor of the university, Professor Ozo-Mekuri Ndimele, said 3,169 graduating students comprised 45 Doctor of Philosophy, 1,070 Masters Degrees, 391 Postgraduate diplomas, 1,654 Bachelor’s Degrees and 9 Certificates.
