…As Prof. Zeb-Obipi Celebrates First Convocation Under His Tenure
By Ken Asinobi
The Rivers State University (RSU), Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, has recorded its highest number of graduates in its history, awarding degrees and diplomas to 13,242 students.
The cheery news was disclosed by Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi during its combined 37th and 38th Convocation Ceremony held on Friday, December 5th and Saturday, December 6th at the Convocation Arena.
The event marked the first convocation under the administration of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, who assumed office in March.
Prof. Zeb-Obipi, appointed by the Visitor to the University, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, thanked the Governor for placing merit above all considerations in his selection.
He described the ceremony as a milestone for both the institution and his stewardship.
Of the total graduating students, 10,648 received first degrees, while 2,594 earned postgraduate diplomas and degrees. The university produced 157 First Class graduates, 2,587 Second Class Upper Division, and 6,275 Second Class Lower Division awardees.
The Vice Chancellor attributed the high graduation numbers to improved academic discipline, a stable calendar and strengthened academic support systems.
Prof. Zeb-Obipi reported that all 74 academic programmes at RSU have either achieved full accreditation or have been resource-verified by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and professional bodies.
He credited the success partly to Governor Fubara’s release of ₦700 million to support accreditation exercises.
He also highlighted the introduction of the Sequential Actor Results Presentation (SARP) system, which ensures graduating students’ results are approved within one month of examinations.
A new Student Sponsor Account on the university portal now enables parents and sponsors to track academic progress and payments.
The Vice Chancellor announced the promotion of 29 professors and 43 associate professors this year.
He expressed appreciation to the Governor for ensuring these promotions were reflected in staff salaries, with a corresponding financial implication of ₦191.8 million for October and November.
The university also held its first institution-wide send-off ceremony for 74 retirees and introduced compulsory annual medical examinations and a monthly “Walk-for-Life” health exercise.
RSU has revived previously abandoned projects, including the TETFund Lecture Theatre and the Human Anatomy Building.
The Faculty of Science laboratories have been upgraded, while a remodelled section of the ICT Centre now houses a Creative Academy, a tech and innovation hub developed in partnership with Cinfores.
Plans are underway to expand broadband access across all campuses and deploy the FiriX workflow management system.
Despite the achievements, Prof. Zeb-Obipi said RSU continues to face challenges such as inadequate funding, classroom deficits, and limited hostel and staff accommodation.
The Vice Chancellor expressed concern about insecurity at the Emohua Campus, which has suffered attacks and attempted kidnappings, leading to its temporary closure.
Congratulating the graduands, the Vice Chancellor urged them to uphold RSU’s motto of “Excellence and Creativity.”
He praised the Senate Ceremonial Committee for innovations including a digital yearbook, Media Booth for First Class graduates, and a newly created Convocation Arena Annex.
“Go forth and make RSU proud,” he told the graduates.
Earlier in his welcome address, Pro-Chancellor of Rivers State University and former National President of NBA, Hon. Okey Wali urged the graduands to uphold the university’s reputation.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) highlighted the institution’s growth from
its origins as the Rivers State College of Science and Technology in 1971 to its present status, with over 13,000 graduands and more than 3,600 staff, noting its significant contribution to national development.
Wali reaffirmed the 15th Governing Council’s commitment to integrity, transparency and global competitiveness, announcing the adoption of a five-year Strategic Development Plan (2026–2030), new endowment initiatives, improved research-to-product goals and plans for better global ranking.
He addressed concerns about satellite campuses, explaining that temporary relocation of some students to the main campus was due to pressing infrastructural and security challenges, not closure, and assured that development projects and security upgrades were underway.
The Pro-Chancellor praised the cooperation within the Council and the efforts of the Vice-Chancellor and management team, pledged continued attention to staff and student welfare, and called for stronger collaboration among government, academia, industry and the alumni to move the university to greater heights.
Also addressing the graduands, Chancellor of the University, His Royal Highness Hon. Justice (Dr.) Sidi Bage Muhammad commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for preserving peace in the state despite political tensions, allowing the university to thrive academically.
He emphasized the need for stakeholders to adapt to the rapidly changing digital world, warning against the misuse of artificial intelligence in academic work and its growing threat to examination bodies, courts, and research integrity.
The Emir urged students to channel their education toward innovation, security consciousness, and nation-building, stressing that RSU must continue to uphold its motto of “Excellence and Creativity” by leading in research and societal problem-solving.
He applauded the state government for sustained funding but called for greater financial support to strengthen the university’s mission. He encouraged them to apply their training responsibly, create value, give back to the institution, and uphold the university’s reputation as they step into an evolving global landscape.
