…As Owei Leads Community To Thanksgiving
The Senior Pastor of Faith Baptist Church Old GRA in Port Harcourt, Reverend (Dr.) Nkem Osuigwe has challenged the academic at the Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt to engage in researches and scientific/technological developments that would earn the university an enviable place in national and global rankings.
He said the call became necessary as research remained an index towards rankings of universities across the globe, regretting that RSU was currently ranked 55 amongst universities in Nigeria while it occupies a dismal 3,675 position in the global ranking of universities.
Osuigwe, who was speaking as Guest Minister at the Annual Thanksgiving/Re-dedication Service of the institution held at the Chapel of Redemption on Sunday, described academic research as one of the markers to grow the fortunes of any university.
The cleric who is the Chairman of the Rivers Baptist Conference urged the Rivers State University to live up to its motto, ‘Excellence and Creativity’, adding that this would only be achieved if it pursues excellence in teaching, research, creativity and innovation.
Speaking on the theme of the thanksgiving, ‘The Grateful Heart’, Osuigwe regretted that most lecturers were docile, stating that aside the duty of impacting the needed knowledge on students, they have the core task of carrying out ceaseless researches as according to him, research should be a response to the many challenges bedeviling the society, particularly the nation of Nigeria.
The occasion which attracted all academic and non-academic principal officers of the institution, officials of the Rivers State Government, traditional rulers, members of the clergy, students as well as captains of industry was spiced by sonorous praise and worship.
He commended the University for its decision to take out time in thanksgiving to God, adding: “The more you show gratitude for what God has done for you, the more you will receive from Him”.
The guest minister also appealed to the authorities to seriously address the vexed issues of corruption and other vices as holiness and righteousness were the virtues expectedly ingrained in the life of those who comes before God.
Highlight of the event was the offering of gift of sacrifice where the Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Opuenebo Binya Owei led all Faculties, Departments, Institutes and members of the Post Graduate School with their gifts to the altar.
Speaking later, the Acting Vice Chancellor express thanks to the Almighty for peace in campus and the successful commencement of a new academic session.
