Royal Court Private School in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has established a new 13-member governing council with Godson Dienye, former General Manager of Nigeria LNG Limited, as its chairman. The council's inauguration took place on the school premises, with its primary objectives including strengthening governance, enhancing academic standards, and expanding the institution's contribution to education in Rivers State. The school, founded in 2011, operates as an independent, co-educational, boarding-only secondary school.
The new governing council comprises professionals from diverse backgrounds, including business, academia, engineering, law, public administration, and school management. Boma Okaka, a member of the previous council, has been retained as vice chairman, while Tony Epelle, Managing Consultant at SAMUELSON Advisory Partners, also continues as a member. Other council members include Dr. Ruth Briggs, Prof. Lois Abraham, Dr. Douye Okoba, Sunny Ade, Victor Graham-Douglas, Nnazoba Dunu, and Sogba Peterside, the Executive Director and Founder of the school.
The School Administrator, Ere Kala-Ogolo; Principal, Barnabas Njoku; and Secretary to the Board, Somina Erekosima, are also part of the council. Dr. Dakuku Peterside, former Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, spoke on behalf of the Adolphus Peterside Trust, the school's promoters. He described the transition as "a transfer of trust, a mandate to govern and a charge to stewardship," charging the new council to build on the work of its predecessors.
Dr. Peterside emphasized that the council's responsibility extends beyond the administration of a school, as it plays a crucial role in shaping young people who will occupy positions of influence in society. He stressed that the institution's ambition must go beyond examination results, aiming to raise young people with both competence and conscience. The school's motto, "Godliness, Excellence and Leadership," provides a framework for the council's responsibilities, Peterside noted.
Peterside urged the council members to demonstrate the same standards of integrity, courage, and accountability expected of the students. He placed emphasis on accountability in the exercise of the council's authority, stating that their performance will be judged by the strength of the institution they build and the opportunities they create for every child to flourish. The Adolphus Peterside Trust will respect the council's independence in carrying out its lawful responsibilities, Peterside assured.
The outgoing chairman of the council, George Izunwa, expressed gratitude to the Adolphus Peterside Trust for the confidence reposed in the outgoing council and appreciated the support and cooperation of his council members throughout their tenure. The new council brings together a diverse group of professionals committed to advancing the school's mission to develop students into God-fearing and exemplary leaders.
Royal Court Private School teaches the British National Curriculum within a Nigerian context and aims to develop students into leaders with strong character. With the inauguration of the new governing council, the school is poised to enhance its educational offerings and contribute significantly to the development of young leaders in Rivers State and beyond.
Key points
- Godson Dienye, former General Manager of Nigeria LNG Limited, has been appointed chairman of Royal Court Private School's new governing council.
- The council aims to strengthen governance, raise academic standards, and expand the institution's contribution to education in Rivers State.
- The school's promoters have charged the new council to combine institutional independence with accountability as it prepares for its next phase of growth.
