In view of turning universities in the Niger Delta region into becoming centres of excellence to train many Nigerians, the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has made a comitment to support the Faculty of Law of the Rivers State University to upgrade its facilities and put it at its best within the country.
Interim Administrator of the commission, Dr Efiong Akwa, who announced this during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Law Faculty and members of the Law Students Association of Nigeria, LAWSAN, to the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, noted that the Commission would
henceforth, continue to increase its investment in human capital development.
According to Akwa, who was represented a plaque as “LAWSAN Icon of the year” noted that he Will approve a brand new 18-seater bus to be donated to the LAWSAN, RSU by NDDC; adding that the commission will like to fund the provision of some facilities such as a boardroom for lecturers, alternate power supply and a donation of fifty million Naira.
Furthermore, Akwa hinted that the COVID-19 pandemic had put a cap on the commission’s Foreign Post Graduate Scholarship Programme, but they are now looking inwards to fully involve universities in the Niger Delta region and the Rivers State University has been selected as one of the institutions for this purpose.
He said he was delighted that the Dean of the Law Faculty and departmental heads thought it wise to appreciate a one-time student in the faculty, stating: “I want to encourage the students in the Faculty of Law, RSU because it is one of the best in Nigeria. Credit goes to the workaholic Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, who has funded the place well. The Lecture Theater of Law is comparable to what I see in London, Paris and USA”, Akwa stated.
Responding, Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Chris Wigwe (SAN), lauded NDDC for building the capacity of universities in the Niger Delta region, pointing out, however, that the university would need support from alumni bodies.
“We joined the students to visit you. We know about Corporate Social Responsibility. In other climes, the alumni are pillars of support for their former institutions. You schooled in Rivers State University, and you are one of us. So, we expect some support from you. We thank you for your previous efforts. In a few months, our faculty will be facing accreditation, so we need a few facilities to help the faculty. We are asking for assistance.
“We are going to have a Centre for Law Research in the faculty. NDDC can assist us to get the Centre ready. Some of our postgraduate students have challenges in paying their fees, NDDC can also assist with scholarships”, he stated.
Also speaking, the President of the Law Students Association Mr. Donatus Oghenewvede Ovwoshokpite, said that they had been following the activities of the commission’s Interim Administrator, noting that they were impressed and have decided to honour him as “LAWSAN Icon of the Year.”
