From 21 to 26 Programmes: How IAUE’s Acting VC Transformed Academics, Infrastructure, and Governance Ahead of 44th Convocation

As Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Port Harcourt, prepares for its 44th convocation ceremony—climaxing on Saturday, May 9, 2026—the institution’s Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Okechuku Onuchuku, has offered a comprehensive retrospective on his nearly five-year tenure. In a media briefing on Monday, he detailed a period marked by significant academic expansion, administrative reform, and infrastructural development, positioning the university as a model for institutional transformation in Nigeria’s higher education landscape.

A Tenure of Milestones: Five Convocation Ceremonies and Counting

Prof. Onuchuku, who assumed office on November 18, 2021, noted that this year’s convocation holds personal significance: it will be the fifth he has superintended, and barring any changes, his tenure is expected to conclude in November 2026. “We have a lot to celebrate in this convocation,” he stated, emphasizing that the university has “developed in terms of academics, administration, and infrastructure.”

The convocation activities began on Sunday with a Convocation Service and will include a lecture by Prof. Nlerum Okogbule, immediate past VC of Rivers State University, followed by an Award Night and cocktail party. The undergraduate convocation is scheduled for Friday, with graduate students receiving their degrees on Saturday.

Academic Transformation: From 21 to 26 Verified Programmes

One of the cornerstone achievements of Prof. Onuchuku’s leadership has been the systematic expansion of the university’s academic portfolio. Upon assuming office, his first major action was a thorough review of the institution’s academic brief—a document that outlines current and prospective courses. “The academic brief contains both the courses you’re doing, and the ones you intend to do, or introduce in the future,” he explained. Without NUC approval via this brief, no programme can be legally offered.

Following the review, the university introduced several new courses, including:

• Software Engineering – responding to the growing demand for tech talent in Nigeria’s digital economy.
• Social Works – addressing community development and welfare needs.
• Public Administration – preparing students for careers in government and non-profit sectors.
• Employment Relations and Human Relations – focusing on workplace dynamics and labour management.

In the sciences, Microbiology was introduced, while Geography was unbundled into its own department, alongside Environmental Management. In the Humanities, the former English and Communication Studies department was split into three distinct units: Mass Communication, English, and Philosophy. This unbundling strategy, common in modern universities, allows for deeper specialization and more focused curriculum development.

As a result, the number of NUC-verified programmes rose from 21 to 26. Currently, 53 undergraduate programmes hold full accreditation, while the remaining 26 have been resource-verified and approved. Part-time and postgraduate programmes have also undergone resource verification. “All the programmes we run here are fully verified and accredited by the NUC, the regulating body,” Prof. Onuchuku affirmed.

Combating Corruption: Conference Marking and Academic Integrity

Perhaps the most innovative reform under Prof. Onuchuku’s watch is the introduction of “conference marking” to reduce corruption and victimization of students—a pervasive issue in many Nigerian universities. Under this system, examination scripts are no longer graded by a single lecturer. Instead, they are submitted to the Head of Department (HOD) and Dean, who then organize a panel of lecturers in the same field to grade each script collectively.

“We don’t put the destiny of a student in the hands of one lecturer who would want to misbehave,” he explained. This approach not only minimizes opportunities for bribery and favoritism but also ensures consistency in grading standards. It mirrors practices in some international institutions where blind or multi-reviewer grading is standard.

Additionally, lecturers are now regularly exposed to training and encouraged to present at seminars, fostering a culture of continuous professional development. This investment in faculty quality directly benefits students through more engaging and up-to-date instruction.

Infrastructure and Financial Sustainability

Despite relying primarily on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from student fees, the university has made notable infrastructural strides. Prof. Onuchuku credited support from interventionist agencies such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for enabling key projects. While specific projects were not detailed in the briefing, the Acting VC emphasized that the university has “achieved a lot” in terms of physical infrastructure, which is critical for creating a conducive learning environment.

This is particularly important for a specialized institution like IAUE, which serves as Nigeria’s apex university of education. Adequate lecture halls, laboratories, libraries, and student accommodation directly impact academic outcomes and student satisfaction.

Practical Implications for Students and Stakeholders

For prospective students and parents, these developments signal a more robust and accountable institution. The expanded programme offerings mean more career pathways, from software engineering to public administration. The conference marking system offers reassurance that grades are earned fairly, reducing the anxiety of arbitrary or corrupt assessment.

For policymakers and education administrators, IAUE’s model demonstrates that even with limited IGR, strategic academic brief expansion, unbundling of departments, and anti-corruption measures can yield measurable results. The university’s ability to achieve full NUC accreditation for 53 programmes is a benchmark that other institutions can aspire to.

Looking Ahead: The 44th Convocation as a Celebration of Progress

As the convocation approaches, Prof. Onuchuku’s reflections serve as both a report card and a vision statement. The event is not merely a ceremonial graduation but a testament to the university’s resilience and innovation under his leadership. With his tenure set to conclude in November 2026, the convocation will also mark a transition point for the institution.

“We have every reason to celebrate,” he said, encapsulating the sentiment of a university that has navigated challenges and emerged stronger. For the graduating students, the message is clear: they leave an institution that has invested in their future through academic rigor, ethical governance, and infrastructural growth.

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