The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to educational advancement and institutional discipline, declaring a firm stance against cultism and exam malpractices in the state’s tertiary institutions.
Speaking through the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika, at the 43rd Convocation Ceremony of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) in Port Harcourt, Ibas emphasized the role of higher education in shaping responsible citizens.
“It is heartening to see IAUE demonstrate its commitment to academic distinction, institutional maturity, and responsible governance,” he said.
“A thriving university culture is one that not only teaches but transforms. It equips young men and women not just for employment but for purposeful citizenship.”
Ibas commended the university’s leadership under the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Okechuku Onuchuku, for securing full accreditation for 47 academic programmes, verifying new departments, and aligning with national curriculum standards.
“These represent not just compliance but vision,” Ibas stated, adding that “education remains a cardinal pillar of this administration.”
Addressing the graduating class of 2,887 first-degree and 1,492 postgraduate students, Ibas urged them to “rise above distractions and embrace the deeper call of education,” stressing that his government would not tolerate “cultism, fraud, harassment or any form of indiscipline.”
“We will uphold zero tolerance for academic and social misconduct,” he warned.
In a related development, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who received an honorary Doctor of Letters at the ceremony, announced federal approval for new specialized universities and the upgrade of 38 technical colleges across Nigeria.
Prof. Onuchuku, in his address, said the convocation theme — “The University Culture in Practice: The IAUE Experience” — was chosen to highlight the importance of tradition, values, and holistic academic growth.
“Ignatius Ajuru University of Education has come of age,” he declared. “It is time to prove that this institution is moving in a positive direction.”
Among the 1,492 postgraduate degrees awarded, 306 were PhDs, 812 Master’s degrees, and 374 Postgraduate Diplomas.
