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Tag: Niger Delta University

  • NDU Inducts First Building Graduates into Nigerian Institute of Building

    NDU Inducts First Building Graduates into Nigerian Institute of Building

    The Niger Delta University (NDU) has recorded a major academic milestone with the induction of its first set of Building graduates into the graduate cadre of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB). The induction ceremony was held on Friday at the university campus, marking a significant step in the institution’s professional accreditation journey.The event, themed “Building the Future: Innovating, Integrating and Inspiring in the Construction 4.0 Era,” formally admitted the pioneer graduates into Nigeria’s professional building community. It underscored NDU’s growing contribution to the development of skilled manpower for the construction sector.

    Speaking at the ceremony, the Acting Head of the Department of Building, Dr. Christopher Belonwu, described the induction as a moment of fulfilment and validation of the department’s vision. He said the department was established to produce competent, ethical, and industry-ready professionals aligned with global best practices.“ The induction of our graduates into the graduate cadre of the Nigerian Institute of Building fills me with immense joy,” Belonwu said. He recalled that the department commenced academic activities during the 2019/2020 session with modest facilities but strong determination to succeed.

    According to him, sustained effort, resilience, and commitment from staff and students have now culminated in professional recognition. He commended the students for their perseverance, the lecturers for their dedication, and the university management for its continuous support.

    Belonwu urged the inductees to uphold the values of integrity, professionalism, and lifelong learning as ambassadors of the department. He encouraged them to embrace mentorship, innovation, and ethical practice in their careers.“This milestone is more than a ceremony. It is formal recognition of your readiness to join the professional community of builders, with the responsibility to uphold standards and pursue continuous self-development,” he added.

    Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Allen Agih, the Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Prof. Sylvester Ebibai, described the occasion as historic, noting that it marked the induction of NDU’s first professionally trained builders. He commended the department for aligning its curriculum with global best practices and accreditation requirements. Prof. Ebibai advised the new graduates to consolidate their academic foundation through hands-on experience and continuous professional growth

    .The President of the Nigerian Institute of Building, Mr. Abimbola Kolade, represented by the former Chairman of the NIOB Bayelsa State Chapter, Mr. Ahmed Baba Ahmed, praised NDU for the quality of training provided to the graduates.He urged the inductees to distinguish themselves in the profession by embracing innovation, research, and continuous upskilling. He also encouraged active participation in NIOB programmes to enhance professional exposure and networking.

    Also speaking, a former National Publicity Secretary of NIOB, Mr. Akinola Bammeka, highlighted the vast opportunities within the building and construction industry. He noted that success in the profession requires discipline, focus, and consistent effort, while cautioning against distractions that could derail career progress.The induction ceremony reinforces Niger Delta University’s expanding role in producing competent professionals capable of meeting the evolving demands of Nigeria’s construction sector, particularly in the emerging Construction 4.0 era.

  • Niger Delta University shut down over hike in school fees

    Niger Delta University shut down over hike in school fees

    The Bayelsa State government-owned Niger Delta University (NDU), has been shut down following protests by students over hike in school fees, early closure of school fee portal and recent order by management for students to wear uniforms to avoid indecent dressing in school premises.

    Reports had it that the school was shut on Wednesday after an announcement made by the registrar, Mr. Benjamin Joffa.

    The letter read” Following the ongoing unrest in the university, I am directed to inform the general public and the university community that academics activities have been suspended indefinitely with immediate effect”

    ”Consequently, all students are directed to vacate the university campuses and its facilities before 3pm.

    The recent development which threw the student community into protests has also been greeted by condemnation and call for the sack of the school leadership.

    The V.C Professor Edoumiekumo had on Monday, ordered the closure of the school payment portal, adding that any student yet to pay for his/her clearance will have their admission withdrawn and sent home.

    Edoumiekumo also said wearing uniforms by students of the institution will be made compulsory and that the said uniforms will only be made available for sales through the school management.

    However, a former Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Egbemo Clan Central Zone, Comrade Daniel Sapele, called for the sack of the Vice-Chancellor, describing his actions as not only unlawful, inhuman but also wicked and barbaric.

    Sapele said “The declaration by the Vice-Chancellor that all engineering students henceforth must be on school uniform and that the uniform must be the one the school authority will provide at a cost of thirty thousand naira (#30,000) for Marine Engineering students, while students from other engineering departments must have their uniforms at the rate of twenty thousand naira (#20,000), shows he is not a good father”

    He said “Many homes are finding it very hard to feed due to the effects of the global pandemic and Nigeria’s current economic maladies and not to talk of paying such huge needless amount of money as learning fees”

    Education is the birth-right of all Bayelsans and the government at all levels are under obligation to provide not just quality but education that’s accessible and affordable and not the way and manner the VC. is running the institution like his private farm.

    The VC runs the school like his private estate without recourse to public sympathy and human feelings which is the bedrock upon which all government institutions are founded, and if he isn’t sacked and replaced with someone with human feelings and conscience all efforts and legacies previous administrations have contributed to the advancement of one of the most revered tertiary institutions in heart of the Niger Delta will go down the drain.

    The Director-General Centre for Women and Youth Development, Bayelsa State Constituency 1 Hon. Timi Tubonimi, pleaded with the university management to consider students and reopen the school fees portal, to enable students who have not paid school fees for the past session pay.

    In her statement through a media Aide, she urged the management to reopen the portal for one month bcos about 80% of students are currently affected.

    Meanwhile, the state government through the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Emelah Gentle has called for calm, noting that the government has met with the management of the institution and all issues would be resolved accordingly.

    The Commissioner made this known after meeting with the Pro-Chancellor of Niger Delta University, Mathew Seiyefa, Msi., the Vice-Chancellor Niger Delta University, Prof. Samuel Gowon Edoumiekumo, in his office at the Education House, Ovom, Yenagoa.

    Reports also gathered that the government received the communique issued by students of NDU to the Bayelsa State Student Management Committee-SMC, that earlier visited the institution to interface directly with the protesting students.

    The Commissioner also disclosed that all pressing issues raised were discussed extensively with the leadership of the University.

    He added that Government has taken a stand and has communicated the same to the management of the University to work with.

    As at the time of filing this report, the management of the school is locked in a crucial meeting with members of the State House of Assembly at the Assembly complex in Yenagoa.