Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, says he remains in office after what he described as a six-month emergency situation largely due to the “special favour” of President Bola Tinubu. He reaffirmed that his administration is committed to fully funding the university and supporting its staff and students.
The governor restated his government’s dedication to sustaining financial support for Rivers State University (RSU), Nkpolu-Oroworukwu, Port Harcourt, as part of broader efforts to strengthen education in the state. He made the remarks during the joint 37th and 38th convocation ceremony held on Saturday.
Responding to issues raised by the institution’s management, Fubara said many of the concerns would not have existed if governance in the state had not been briefly disrupted.
“Like you said, a report was given to us. But you all know what happened in the life of our administration. It is only by the special grace of God, the special favour from Mr President, that we are standing here still as the ones presiding over the affairs of Rivers State,” he said.
Fubara pledged that his administration would now resume full responsibility for the university and address all concerns highlighted during the event.
He listed funding priorities such as resolving infrastructure deficits, enhancing security, and improving the welfare of both staff and students.
The governor also noted that satellite campuses outside Port Harcourt, which have been struggling, will receive priority attention in 2026.
“We will continue to fulfil our financial obligations to the university, ensuring improved infrastructure as well as the security and welfare of staff and students. Education remains the most vital investment for national development,” Fubara added.
He commended RSU for its progress, noting its dedication to high-quality education, intellectual development, and leadership training aligned with state and national goals. Fubara urged the institution’s leadership to deepen research and innovation to tackle socio-economic issues in Rivers State and the country.
The governor congratulated the 13,242 graduates across all academic levels and thanked parents, guardians, staff, and the Governing Council for their roles in the students’ success.
He encouraged the graduating class to take advantage of new opportunities in the state and beyond, stressing entrepreneurship, creativity, integrity, and resilience.
“As you step into the future, let integrity, hard work, and honesty guide you. Cherish the sacrifices made for your education and live a life of purpose, kindness, and compassion,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, expressed joy at presiding over his first convocation since his appointment on March 6, 2025. He reported notable achievements, including accommodation for 40,000 students and full accreditation for all programmes.
Out of the 13,242 graduates, 10,648 earned first degrees, 2,594 completed postgraduate studies, 157 received First Class honours, 2,587 obtained Second Class Upper, and 6,275 graduated with Second Class Lower degrees.
The Chancellor, HRH Dr. Sidi Mohammad, applauded Governor Fubara for making RSU one of the best-funded public universities in Nigeria. He encouraged institutions to adopt emerging technologies, including AI, to improve learning while upholding academic integrity.
Pro-Chancellor and Governing Council Chairman, Hon. Okey Wali, SAN, also praised the governor for strong financial support that has boosted RSU’s capacity. He announced a five-year Strategic Development Plan (2026–2030) designed to transform the university into a globally recognised institution. The plan covers commercialising research outputs, restructuring administration to include a third Deputy Vice-Chancellor, and enforcing strict measures against corruption, extortion, and sexual misconduct.
