By: Felix Ikpotor
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has ordered Rivers State University to deal decisively with lecturers involved in sexual harassment of students.
Wike, who spoke at the 30th convocation of the university held in Port Harcourt yesterday, also directed sanction against management staff involved in admission fraud.
The governor posited that his administration would not tolerate any stain on the moral standard of the university.
He assured the institution that the state government would act decisively on the recommendations of the governing council on allegations of admission racketeering within the university.
“I wish to restate that this institution occupies an exalted status in this country. We love it and we will not tolerate any stain on its moral standard and position as a centre of learning and character building” Wike said.
He continued: “Therefore, I want to assure you that the government will act decisively on the recommendations of the Governing Council in respect of the allegations of admission racketing by some management staff of the university.
“I hereby further direct the Governing Council to carry out an appropriate action on the allegation of sorting for marks, sexual harassment and other vices in the university and deal appropriately with those found guilty.”
He declared that his administration will support the school to emerge as one of the best global centres of learning.
Wike also laid the foundation for the Rivers State University Students Union Government (SUG) Secretariat.
Commissioning the Faculty of Science and Technical Education Building funded by his administration, he said that the development of facilities and infrastructure at the institution will continue to receive priority attention.
The governor further commended the university for the judicious use of funds released to it by his administration, adding that the right application of resources is an encouragement for the state government to sustain funding.
“This university will be the best in the future. We are developing the university gradually to compete globally.
“There is no magic about rapid growth. When you show commitment, you make progress. Government will continue to support this university to attain greater heights”, he said.
He thanked the university’s council and management for working in line with the State Government’s vision for the education sector.
On the SUG Secretariat, Governor Wike said it is in line with his pledge to the students’ body. He also directed the Special Adviser on Special Projects to ensure that the project is completed in record time. He further directed the Special Adviser on Special Projects to liaise with the National Union of Rivers State Students for their own project.
Pro-Chancellor of the school, Justice Iche Ndu (Rtd ) said the university’s council appreciates the investments of the Rivers State Governor in the school.
On his part, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Blessing Didia said the new Faculty of Science and Technical Education Building has 11 classrooms, conference hall and 72 offices.
