…Hails RSU Over Giant Strides
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering world-class education, praising the Rivers State University (RSU) for staying true to its founding vision of nurturing globally competitive leaders.
Speaking on Saturday, December 6, 2025, during the combined 37th and 38th Convocation Ceremony of the university, Governor Fubara said he was delighted to witness the institution’s steady growth as it conferred degrees, diplomas, and certificates on 13,242 graduating students.
“Our joy is that the fundamental dreams behind establishing this university are being realised,” he said. “Today, 13,242 students from across Nigeria are receiving graduate and postgraduate qualifications. We are proud of the remarkable progress RSU has made and its outstanding contributions to manpower development in our state and nation.”
The governor assured the university community that his administration would prioritise stable funding, improved infrastructure, and enhanced security to create a more conducive learning environment.
He stressed that education remains the most potent investment for national development, noting that transforming the state’s educational system requires more than occasional interventions.
“Our commitment is to go beyond limited measures and pursue lasting, transformative reforms to strengthen our educational system and achieve meaningful outcomes,” he stated.
Addressing the graduands, Gov. Fubara urged them to embrace hard work, honesty, and integrity as they step into a new phase of life. He encouraged them to explore emerging opportunities in Rivers State’s diverse economy and to create jobs rather than rely solely on white-collar employment.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in him since his appointment on March 6, 2025. He highlighted major achievements of his administration, including:
Provision of hostel accommodation for 40,000 students
Securing full National Universities Commission (NUC) and professional accreditations for all programmes.
The VC disclosed that of the 13,242 graduating students, 10,648 obtained first degrees, while 2,594 earned postgraduate diplomas and degrees. The breakdown includes 157 First Class, 2,587 Second Class Upper, and 6,275 Second Class Lower graduates.
Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Hon. Okey Wali, SAN, applauded the governor’s unwavering support, noting that sustained funding has significantly strengthened the university.
He announced the launch of a new five-year strategic plan centred on Research to Commerce, aimed at converting academic research into viable technologies and products that address national priorities.
Wali also vowed that the university would tolerate no indiscipline, pledging strict actions against corruption, extortion, and sexual harassment.
The Chancellor, His Royal Highness Justice Dr. Sidi Bage Mohammad, described RSU as one of Nigeria’s best-funded tertiary institutions under Governor Fubara. He urged universities to embrace technology and artificial intelligence to enhance academic delivery, noting that innovation should be seen as an opportunity rather than a threat to academic integrity.
