IAUE

17/10/2026

IAUE REGISTRAR HOLDS MEETING WITH DIRECTORS AND DEPUTY REGISTRARS

Worried by the poor work ethics of the new 400 non-teaching staff of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, the Registrar of the University, Dr. Chinonye Abraham Ajie, held a meeting with Directors and Deputy Registrars on the need to enforce discipline and orientation towards attitudinal change by the new staff.

The meeting, which held at the conference room of the Institute of Distance Learning on Friday October 16, 2026, had the Registrar cautioning the upper cadre of the Registry on the need to show example for the new staff to emulate. He hinted that no report has come to his table on any unethical behaviour and asked if the senior non-teaching staff are also not around to take notice of the wrong doings of the new staff.

He explained that most of them do not come to work or come at their own time, and wondered why Directors and Deputy Registrars heading such units have not written a report on the attitude of these new staff or on disciplinary measures taken to reduce these lapses.

He warned that they have a duty to protect the image of the University and to ensure that the new staff do not get into negative acts that would tarnish the image of the University.

The Rivers State Government, Dr. Ajie added, is paying them huge salaries for services rendered, and stressed that those not serious or caught misbehaving will be shown the way out.

The number two citizen of IAUE informed that there will be an in-house training programme for the new staff by Heads of Units. He enjoined the Directors to work out the modalities for the training before December 2026.

While noting that the Registry is the engine room of the University, he emphasized that the Registry staff cannot afford to be found wanting on their duty post.

He implored them to be their brothers' keepers and to fight against administrative lapses in their various units. He also remarked that at a later date, a Registry Day would be organized to celebrate and showcase the Registry staff.

In their contributions, the Director Exams and Records Barrister T. T. Minaiyo, thanked the Registrar for the meeting and enjoined all present to act their title and let the title speak for them in the way they speak, dress and act.

Similarly, the Director, Senate, Dr. Obi Wichendu, expressed appreciation to the Registrar for the role he played during the promotion exercise, adding that no one was dropped. He agreed on-the-job training to let the new staff know what it takes to work in an organization like the University.

On his part, the Director, Council Matters, Mr. Wilson Ibokama, called for the establishment of the Protocol Unit, formally known as Passage Unit, and a Director appointed to head the Unit. The Unit usually receives all University visitors, handles their accommodation, feeding and transport needs.

Also speaking, the Director, Administration, Academic Planning Unit, Dr. (Mrs) Chima Cookey, supported the need to celebrate the Registry Day, adding that it is a good idea and would be fun filled day.

The Director, Establishment, Dr. (Mrs) Chioma Emejuru, however appealed for vehicles to be assigned to the Directors to make their jobs a lot easier.

Dr. Ngozi Okiridu
Public Relations Officer

17/10/2026

UFTAN 27TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND AGM HOLDS AT IAUE WITH EDUCATION COMMISSIONER ADVOCATING FOR RETENTION OF FRENCH TEACHERS

The 27th Annual Conference and General Meeting of the University French Teachers Association of Nigeria (UFTAN) held at the auditorium of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Monday, October 12th, 2026, on the theme "Reimagining French Language Studies in the 21st Century: Emerging Trends, Entrepreneurial Pathways and Labour Market Opportunities", with a call for practical answers on how to train and retain more French teachers.

The Honourable Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, who made the call, said only few schools have qualified French teachers, with pupils who meet the language briefly dropping it. He said teachers train these pupils, not policies on paper, and urged the Association to propose how to use technology to reach schools that have none, and how to make the language come alive in young people.

The Commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr. Mina Tele Ikuru, pledged the readiness of the Ministry to work with UFTAN to strengthen the teaching of the French language in schools in Rivers State.

Dr. Nwagor maintained that Nigeria is surrounded by French-speaking neighbours like Benin, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, with trade, security, diplomacy, and Nigeria's place in West Africa depending on its ability to speak with them. This, he said, is why French has a place in the National Policy on Education, and why French teachers' work matters far beyond the classroom.

Every child who learns French, he stressed, has a wider world and can study in Dakar or Paris, or work in Abidjan or Geneva, and do business across a continent where hundreds of millions of people speak French.

He lauded IAUE for hosting the 27th Annual Conference and General Meeting of UFTAN and wished the participants fruitful deliberations.

In his opening remarks, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Chief Chinyere Igwe, said the 27th Annual Conference with the theme _Reimagining French Language Studies in the 21st Century: Emerging Trends, Entrepreneurial Pathways, and Labour Market Opportunities_ could not have come at a better time.

While welcoming guests to the University, he congratulated members of UFTAN for sustaining the association for these 27 years, through military regimes, democracy, funding booms and funding droughts, through closures and strikes, adding that the feat itself is scholarship. French, the Pro-Chancellor explained, is geography. Nigeria is an island of Anglophone in a sea of Francophone, Niger, Cameroon, Benin, Chad. About 400 million people who speak French surround Nigerians, and if they cannot speak to their neighbours, they cannot trade, secure borders, or lead ECOWAS.

French, in the opinion of the Chairman of the occasion, is diplomacy and economy. From the UN to the AU to AfCFTA, French opens doors, and graduates who speak French get jobs in international NGOs, embassies, humanitarian work in IDP camps where Cameroonian refugees are, and cross-border trade. In a VUCA world, language is not culture alone, it is employability. In addition, French is intellect. The French tradition teaches rigour, logic, and critique, and in an age of shallow social media, French literary and philosophical tradition reminds all that language shapes thought.

This conference, the Chairman noted, meets at a paradoxical time. On one hand, Nigeria needs French more than ever. On the other hand, French Departments are struggling with low enrolment because students think French is difficult, there are no language laboratories, no immersion, and teachers are under-motivated. He wondered how a country surrounded by French speakers has fewer than 5% of secondary schools teaching French effectively, pointing out that the problem is not the students but the system.

Professor Igwe described the theme of the conference, "Reimagining French in the 21st Century", as timely, and charged UFTAN to move from grammar-translation to communicative, digital, and fun French. He said if a child can learn 100 English songs on TikTok in one week, UFTAN can teach French with skits, music, WhatsApp voice notes, and Nollywood-French drama. He urged them to make French less about conjugation but more about conversation. UFTAN, he continued, must speak with one voice to the Federal Ministry of Education and the NUC. Implementation of French as a second official language has been on paper since 1996, 30 years after.

This conference, the Chairman of the occasion remarked, should produce a communique with clear asks: French laboratories as TETFund priority, mandatory French in primary schools at border communities, and scholarship for immersion in Benin Republic. He also called for repositioning and relevance, and linking French to jobs, noting that French speakers can work as interpreters for UNHCR and can export yams to Cameroon. Language without livelihood dies.

The Pro-Chancellor affirmed the commitment of the University to hosting the conference, and announced support for the renovation of the language laboratory and support for student exchange, adding that Council will continue to support the Faculty of Humanities and not just Science courses, as a university without languages is a technical college.

Chief Chinyere Igwe commended the Head of Department of Foreign Languages and International Studies, Dr. Juliette Elikwu, for winning the hosting right and for making the University proud. He also praised guests from outside Nigeria and all teachers of French for doing nation-building work that is quiet but profound, and urged all to key into the offerings of the 27th Annual Conference of UFTAN.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice Chancellor of IAUE, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, informed that as part of efforts to promote the study of the French language, the Rivers State Government sponsored IAUE French students abroad for their one year training programme as applied for by the Head of Department, Dr. Juliet Elikwu. He reiterated that his administration will, as part of academic leadership, continue to host as many conferences as possible for staff development.

Professor Onuchuku hinted that the gathering will provide opportunities for cross-fertilization of ideas, for scholars to air their schools of thought, and for brainstorming on how Artificial Intelligence can influence French language studies as well as in other different but relevant areas. He urged them to take the conference seriously, interact, network and enjoy the ambience of IAUE and Rivers State.

In his speech, UFTAN President Professor To Richard Ajah observed that global practices of scholarship, research and knowledge production are being interrogated, and that emerging conversations are premised on new approaches, methods and tools that enhance knowledge and skills. He stated that robust academic discussions on the conference theme will help suggest modern best practices for the teaching and learning of French, thereby empowering French language products for employability and job creation.

On his part, the Director of Alliance Française, Monsieur Stanislas Riener, said it was an honour for him to be in Nigeria, in Rivers State, in Port Harcourt, a land of so many communities and so many languages. He informed the gathering that he has spent more than ten years leading Alliances Françaises in the Americas and the Caribbean, and most recently working with the University of Houston, in addition to working with fellow counterparts and professors from various departments to build programmes that would help the generations of tomorrow.

The Director explained that in every place he has worked, he has seen that French is never just a language class, as it opens doors to other disciplines, other cultures and other opportunities, and connects people across borders. Monsieur Stanislas Riener reiterated that this is the spirit in which his team at the Alliance Française wants to work with UFTAN.

He offered support for teachers and professors with pedagogical workshops, examiner training and resources for classrooms, as well as a space where French teachers can meet, exchange and grow. According to him, across Nigeria, the network of Alliances Françaises, the Institut Français and the Cultural Service of the French Embassy are happy and ready to work alongside professors and teachers of French.

With regards to interdisciplinary programmes in the universities, they would build projects that connect French studies with linguistics, international relations, history, the arts and business, together with French departments.

Finally, in terms of examinations and certifications, they will make Port Harcourt a reliable, well-organized examination centre so that IAUE students can earn an internationally recognized certification close to home.

While thanking UFTAN for their commitment and passion for languages and cultural exchange, he assured them of open doors and support towards building formidable French language graduates.

Earlier, the Local Organizing Committee Chairperson, Dr. Juliet Elikwu, reminded language scholars to recognize that promoting foreign languages should complement and not diminish commitment to preserving indigenous languages and cultural identities. She expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor of IAUE, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, for his invaluable support, and to the leadership of UFTAN for entrusting IAUE with the hosting responsibility.

The Head of Department of Foreign Languages and International Studies, Dr. Juliet Elikwu, encouraged everyone to participate actively, strengthen academic partnership and develop innovative strategies for making French language studies more relevant, entrepreneurial and responsive to societal needs.

The event featured goodwill messages by the Associate Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Associate Professor Kingsley Ugochukwu Nwombu, who represented the Dean of the Faculty; Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Rivers State University, Professor Jonas Michael Jaja, who represented the Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University; Professor Angela Ine Frank-Briggs, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research and Development, University of Port Harcourt, who represented the Vice Chancellor of University of Port Harcourt; French Language Project Coordinator, Embassy of France in Nigeria, Feyitimi Henry Babajide; and Her Royal Highness, wife of the Nyewueli of Rumuolumeni, Mrs. Jennifer Okocha.

Also, a traditional kola gift was presented by Associate Professor (Barrister) Douglas Omenohia, in addition to exhibitions, a keynote presentation by Professor Michael Edung of the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and a lead paper presentation by Professor Dele Adegboku of the University of Port Harcourt.

Students of the Department of Foreign Languages and International Studies, IAUE, entertained guests.

The Executive Members of UFTAN as well as the Local Organizing Committee Members earlier paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor of IAUE, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku at his office.

The University French Teachers Association of Nigeria (UFTAN) is a professional body of lecturers of French language in Nigerian universities with the objective to promote the knowledge of French in Nigeria through teaching and research. UFTAN advances the study of French and its diverse aspects in universities in particular and in the entire country in general, providing forums for intellectual discourse and exchange of information, knowledge and ideas among University French Teachers through the organization of conferences, workshops and seminars.

Dr Ngozi Okiridu
Public Relations Officer

17/10/2026

Join the University fight Against Misinformation, Propaganda, Impersonation and Panic Fraud.

17/10/2026

IAUE Secures Approval for 4 new Courses

17/10/2026

Advertisement for admission into the newly Approved Programmes of the University for the 2026/2027 Exercise

Ignatius Ajuru University of Education

16/10/2026

Goodnews: JAMB has enabled 4 new programmes as Departments approved by the NUC for admission in Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt Rivers State. Carrying capacity (quota) 50, effective 2026/2027 academic session. Commencement Quota(CQ) granted.

Course: Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Faculty: Administration and Management
Degree: B.Sc

Course: Cyber Security
Faculty: Science
Degree: B.Sc

Course: Environmental Management and Toxicology
Faculty: Natural and Applied Science
Degree: B.Sc

Course: Human Kinetics and Sport Management
Faculty: Natural and Applied Science
Degree B.Sc.

15/10/2026

IAUE DIRECTORATE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TRAINS LECTURERS ON SCHOLARLY WRITING AND RESEARCH COMMERCIALISATION

Declaring the workshop open, the Vice-Chancellor of IAUE, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, praised the Directorate for the training programme, which he emphasised is very important for research ethics and the growth of academic staff.

He encouraged staff to take advantage of research grants, to partner and collaborate with others, and to go into consultancy as a way of earning additional income and improving society.

He also encouraged those in Environmental Science and Oil and Gas related fields to involve industries in their research or work in conjunction with industries for exposure to modern research techniques.

The Directorate of Research and Development, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, organised a three-day Training Workshop for Lecturers and Postgraduate Students at the Postgraduate Hall of the University.

The training workshop, themed "Advancing Scholarly Writing, Research Commercialisation and Digital Project Supervision," kicked off on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, with the Director of Research and Development, Professor Nduka Wonu, welcoming participants and thanking them for honouring the invitation of the Directorate.

He explained that the workshop would provide an opportunity to strengthen lecturers' research capacity, in addition to embracing innovative approaches to academic practice.

The Director noted that the discussions would focus on supporting students and lecturers to improve academic writing and publication through effective mentorship and the development of publication-ready research teams. Also, on supervising research projects smarter with digital systems by leveraging digital dashboards, cloud collaboration and project tracking tools to improve supervision and feedback.

According to the Director, the discussions would further focus on setting standards for the responsible and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence among academics to promote academic integrity and guide the appropriate use of emerging technologies. Finally, on writing concept notes and grant proposals, identifying funding opportunities and building partnerships to strengthen research funding, collaboration, commercialisation and societal impact.

These focus areas, he maintained, are essential for improving research productivity, strengthening institutional capacity and enhancing the University's research profile.

Professor Nduka Wonu encouraged all to participate actively, share experiences and apply the knowledge gained in teaching, supervision and research activities.

Earlier, the Local Organising Committee Chairperson, Dr. Anne Chidinma Williams, hinted that the workshop would explore practical ways to improve academic writing, develop grant concept notes and proposals, increase the visibility of publications, use Artificial Intelligence responsibly and strengthen digital research supervision.

She encouraged participants to share ideas, apply what they have learnt and use the opportunity to strengthen their research, improve publications and turn knowledge into solutions that benefit the University and society.

Highlights of the event were a presentation on "Supporting Students and Colleagues to Improve Academic Writing and Publication: Empowering Supervisors to Mentor Effectively, Build Publication-Ready Teams and Raise the University's Overall Research Profile" by the Dean, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Professor Peter Ogochuku Eke; and a presentation by the Dean, Faculty of Education, Professor Livinus Ogbondah, who was represented by Dr. Princewill Ejekwu, on the topic "Supervising Research Projects Smarter with Digital Systems: Introducing Modern Dashboards, Cloud Collaboration and Tracking Tools that Enhance Supervision Efficiency and Feedback Quality Across Multiple Projects."

The forum also provided an avenue for participants to interact and ask burning questions, which were duly addressed.

Dr. Ngozi Okiridu
Public Relations Officer

14/10/2026

YOUTH ANTI-CORRUPTION SOCIETY HONOURS IAUE VC

The National President of the Youth Anti-Corruption Society, Comrade Abibo Samson Daniel, and the Chairman, Planning Committee of Youth Summit 2026, were at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, to honour the Vice-Chancellor of IAUE, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku.

Presenting the certificate to the Chief Executive Officer of IAUE, the group said the award was in recognition of his exceptional leadership, commitment to academic excellence, integrity, as well as his continued support for the ideals and activities of the Youth Anti-Corruption Society.

In his response, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku commended the team for adding value to society by highlighting and correcting societal ills and creating awareness on the need to end corruption.

He also lauded them for empowering the less privileged, building capacity, and for their efforts in developing and transforming society.

The Vice-Chancellor urged them not to relent in calling attention to wrongdoing, noting that posterity will reward them for their fight for a corrupt-free society.

He also advised them to use their connections to attract help and resources to the University and to others in need of support, noting that one's wealth amounts to nothing if it cannot better the lives of the less privileged or be used for the good of the larger society. He encouraged them to always give back to society and to leave every place better than they met it.

Professor Onuchuku, while informing the group that the University ranked second in the Staff Google Scholar Profile Submission for 2026 ranking of universities, cautioned against sensational journalism. He urged journalists to always verify their facts before disseminating information to the unsuspecting public, and to practise developmental journalism rather than escalating false news out of proportion.

The Vice-Chancellor was later decorated in a befitting regalia by members of the Society.

Dr. Ngozi Okiridu
Public Relations Officer

13/10/2026

IAUE RANKS SECOND NATIONALLY IN STAFF GOOGLE SCHOLAR PROFILE SUBMISSION FOR 2026 UNIVERSITY RANKING

Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has been ranked second in the nation in Staff Google Scholar Profile Submission by Institutions for the 2026 Ranking of Universities.

Recall that the University was ranked seventh last week but has now moved up to second position this week, indicating a significant improvement in the visibility and scholarly presence of its academic staff.

The ranking reflects the commitment of the academic staff of the University to enhancing their research visibility on Google Scholar, which is a key parameter for global university rankings.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, has commended the academic staff for their responsiveness and dedication to improving the University's academic visibility and global ranking. He urged them to sustain the momentum by ensuring that all their scholarly publications are regularly updated on their Google Scholar profiles.

He reiterated Management's commitment to providing the enabling environment for teaching, research and innovation to thrive in the University.

Dr. Ngozi Okiridu
Public Relations Officer

11/10/2026

IAUE CELEBRATES THE STRENGTH AND POTENTIAL OF THE GIRL CHILD ON INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD

Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, today joined the global community to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child, October 11, 2026.

This day, set aside by the United Nations, reminds everyone of the need to champion the rights of the girl child, promote her education, and protect her against discrimination, violence and all forms of inequality.

The theme for this year's celebration, _"Girls' Vision for the Future,"_ underscores the power, resilience and boundless potential of girls to shape a better world when given equal opportunities.

As a University of Education, IAUE believes that educating a girl is educating a nation. Investment in a girl's education, leadership, health and well-being is an investment in a more peaceful, prosperous and sustainable future.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, calls on parents, teachers, policymakers and the society at large to
ensure every girl child has access to quality education, protect girls from harmful cultural practices, abuse and exploitation, encourage girls to pursue careers in science, technology, leadership and innovation and amplify girls' voices and give them space to lead.

To every girl child in IAUE and beyond, be reminded that you are smart, strong, intelligent, valuable and capable of achieving greatness. Your dreams are valid and your future is bright.

At IAUE, we are committed to empowering the girl child to dream big and achieve more. We also believe that investing in a girl child can transform a generation and that every girl child deserves education, protection, opportunity and a voice.

IAUE will continue to provide an enabling environment where every girl child can learn, thrive and fulfill her destiny.

Happy International Day of the Girl Child!

Dr. Ngozi Okiridu
Public Relations Officer