Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed satisfaction with the steady progress of the Rivers State University (RSU), describing the institution as one that continues to fulfil its mandate of providing world-class education and grooming leaders for national development.
The governor stated this on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the combined 37th and 38th Convocation Ceremony of the university, where 13,242 students were awarded various degrees, certificates, and diplomas.
Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the learning environment and prioritising the funding of tertiary institutions in the state. He noted that RSU was established to promote critical thinking, innovation, and leadership, adding that the institution’s steady growth reflects these founding ideals.
“We are proud of the remarkable growth of this university and its contributions to manpower development in our state and the country,” he said.
The governor urged the university management to intensify efforts in research and innovation, stressing the need for practical solutions to societal challenges, including developing local technologies to enhance security, economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.
Fubara acknowledged existing challenges across the institution’s campuses but emphasised that long-term, transformative reforms are required to strengthen the state’s educational sector.
“Education is the most crucial investment for a nation’s economic success. As a responsible government, we cannot deprive our youths of the tools they need to improve their lives,” he added.
Addressing the graduating students, Fubara encouraged them to embrace hard work, integrity, and creativity, and to seize emerging opportunities across sectors in the state — either as job seekers or entrepreneurs contributing to economic growth.
VC, Pro-Chancellor Highlight Milestones and Challenges
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, thanked the governor for appointing him in March 2025 and highlighted key achievements, including securing full accreditation for academic programmes and providing hostel accommodation for 40,000 students.
He announced that of the 13,242 graduating students, 10,648 received first degrees, while 2,594 earned postgraduate qualifications. A total of 157 students graduated with First Class honours.
Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Hon. Okey Wali, SAN, praised the governor’s sustained investment in the university, noting that it has significantly strengthened institutional capacity. He unveiled a new five-year strategic plan aimed at converting research outputs into commercially viable technologies and products.
Wali, however, warned that the university would not tolerate indiscipline, including corruption, extortion, and sexual harassment. He also acknowledged infrastructure and security challenges at satellite campuses, which have temporarily forced some students to relocate to the main campus.
Chancellor Calls for Integration of AI in Education
The Chancellor, Justice Sidi Bage Mohammad (Rtd), described RSU as one of Nigeria’s best-funded tertiary institutions under the current administration. He urged the university community to adopt technology and artificial intelligence to enhance learning, arguing that innovation should complement, not undermine academic standards.
