Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, has achieved a notable ranking in the 2026 Ranking of Universities, based on staff Google Scholar Profile submissions. The university secured seventh place, according to Vice-Chancellor Professor Okechuku Onuchuku. He announced this achievement during a Senate meeting at the Postgraduate Hall of the university. Onuchuku praised academic staff for their scholarly articles and publications cited on Google Scholar, contributing to the university's improved visibility.
Professor Onuchuku expressed gratitude to Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for approving the implementation of an agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). This led to a new salary structure for staff members. He also commended IAUE ASUU Chairman, Professor Obinna Prince Ikechi, and the University Bursary for facilitating the process. The Vice-Chancellor encouraged academic staff to sustain their research, publication, and academic engagement efforts.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved five new programmes for IAUE at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These programmes include Special Needs Education, Human Kinetics and Sports Management, Environmental Management and Toxicology, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, and Cyber Security. The NUC's approval followed a visit to the university on September 8 to assess its readiness for the new programmes. Plans are underway to appoint qualified academic staff to head the new departments.
The University Senate has expelled a final-year student from the Department of English and Literary Studies due to damaging content creation. The student's interview went viral, claiming her project topic was "Citizenship," which the university stated did not exist in her department. She also claimed her supervisor wrote the project for her. The Senate's decision aims to deter other students from engaging in similar conduct that could harm the institution's image.
The University Senate approved the graduating results for the 2024/2025 academic session from IAUE's faculties and affiliated institutions. These include Peaceland University, Enugu, and the College of Education, Warri, as presented by the Postgraduate School's Dean, Professor Helen Okujagu. The Senate also approved the 2026/2027 academic calendar, presented by the Director of the Academic Planning Unit, Professor Joseph Kinanee.
According to the approved academic calendar, returning students are expected to resume on November 9, 2026, while registration for Year One students is ongoing. Lectures for returning students will commence on November 23, and for fresh students on November 30. The Christmas break will begin on December 18, 2026, and academic activities will resume on January 4, 2027.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his commitment to human capital development, particularly education, as a foundation for sustainable development and national progress. He made this statement while declaring open the 85th Plenary Meeting of the Joint Consultative Committee on Education (JCCE) in Port Harcourt. The meeting brought together education policymakers, technocrats, and stakeholders from across Nigeria to discuss critical issues affecting the education sector.
Key points
- IAUE ranks seventh in Google Scholar Profile Submission.
- The university expels a final-year student over damaging content creation.
- Five new programmes have been approved for IAUE by the National Universities Commission.
