The Rivers State Government has reiterated its commitment to advancing quality education and human capital development, as Siminalayi Fubara restated the administration’s education agenda at the 44th Convocation Ceremony of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education.
The ceremony, held at the institution’s Rumuolumeni campus in Port Harcourt on Saturday, saw the governor, represented by his deputy, Ngozi Nma Odu, described the convocation as a defining moment in the university’s growth.
He noted that such occasions transcend the mere award of degrees, serving instead as platforms for reflection, celebration, and renewed dedication to the ideals of learning, leadership, service, and national development.
Fubara commended the university’s Governing Council, management, staff, and graduating students for the successful hosting of the event, while particularly praising the Acting Vice Chancellor, Okechuku Onuchuku, for sustaining academic excellence and discipline.
The governor observed that the institution has continued to distinguish itself as a leading centre for teacher education in Nigeria, citing improvements in infrastructure and its growing academic reputation. He reaffirmed that education remains the bedrock of sustainable development and pledged continued investment in policies that enhance access, infrastructure, research, innovation, and welfare across the state’s education sector.
He also charged universities to produce not just graduates, but innovators and responsible citizens capable of competing on the global stage.
Addressing the graduating students, he described their achievement as both a culmination of years of effort and the beginning of new responsibilities, urging them to uphold the values instilled by the institution.
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Chinyere Igwe, called for increased support for the university, highlighting challenges including inadequate funding, aging infrastructure, limited ICT and laboratory facilities, and staff shortages.
He disclosed that while the university has embarked on reforms such as infrastructure rehabilitation, curriculum modernisation, and expansion of online learning, sustained support from government, corporate bodies, alumni, and development partners remains critical.
In his remarks, Onuchuku commended the state government for its continued support in staff recruitment, infrastructure development, and programme accreditation. He also acknowledged the contributions of former governor Nyesom Wike and Governor Fubara to the institution’s growth.
He revealed that 53 out of the university’s 79 undergraduate programmes have secured full accreditation from the National Universities Commission, while others have received necessary approvals.
A total of 3,510 students graduated with first degrees, while 1,815 earned postgraduate qualifications at the ceremony themed, “The Story of Academic and Administrative Progress: The Case of IAUE.”
