Rivers State governor and the Visitor at the just concluded 32nd convocation of the Rivers State University (RSU), Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has called on fresh graduates of the institution to deploy knowledge and skills to advance personal progress.
Governor Wike noted that the road may be rough because of the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic world over. But he expressed confidence that those with determination would brave the odds to succeed.
While arguing that the Ivory Tower remains the hope for the youths, the Visitor acknowledged the fact that today Rivers State University has produced men and women serving the state in different capacities. He went further to disclose that education enables society to resolve the challenges of ignorance,adding that youth educational empowerment will turn them to patriotic youths in the future.
He assured that the newly established College of Medicine will be completed in record time, even as he added Etchie to one of its campus. Wike also observed that University is known better and recognized when it continues to add to research and knowledge.
The governor explained that the choice of the university chancellor stemmed from his wealth of experience and the state simply went for the best. He congratulated the chairman of the University governing council for the feats achieved thus far by the institution.
He promised to look into appointment of more academics across higher institutions in the state to boost learning.
Governor Wike saluted parents for their supports to their children in their academic sojourn which culminated in the convocation event.
In his address, Chancellor of the university, His Royal Highness, Justice Barde Mahmud, said the 32nd convocation and 40th anniversary of the university gave him joy, just as he had looked forward to the events to celebrate the state and the country over the fight against corona virus pandemic.
He recalled how he took on a highly demanding responsibility as the Chancellor of the state university. He stated that he was prepared to advance the frontiers of ideals which the institution had put in place, promising to work and be remembered.
He captured critical moments when the university commenced as a college in 1972 and gaining a new status as a full fledged university and today producing great personalities like the visitor and a host of others.
With 11 faculties and 60 departments, the chancellor noted that Rivers State University now ranks as one of the best in Nigeria.
The university Chancellor is the Chairman Nassarawa Council of Chiefs .
In his own address, the Vice Chancellor of the University,Professor Nlerum Okogbule thanked the governor and the governing council for his appointment nine months ago, saying this had placed enormous responsibility on him. He promised his best possible in ensuring quality teaching ,research, and community service in the institution. He said that the 32nd convocation coincided with a major landmark which is the 40th anniversary of the institution. He noted that the time had come to review achievements in the university.
He praised the governor for the enhanced salary package being enjoyed by the university.
According to the VC, the 32nd convocation had produced a total of 5,837 graduates across different levels of academic pursuits.
He informed that a book which documented historic moments in the institution from 1980-2020 will be out soon to serve as reference and research material about the institution.
