06/12/2025
GOV. FUBARA CELEBRATES RSU SUCCESS, PLEDGES TRANSFORMATIVE REFORMS IN EDUCATION SECTOR
..As varsity graduates 13,242 students
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has expressed joy at seeing that the Rivers State University (RSU) is steadily fulfilling its goal of providing world class education and nurturing leaders to advance society.
The governor expressed this on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at the combined 37th and 38th Convocation of the Rivers State University where he also pledged to prioritize funding to improve the learning environment.
Gov. Fubara noted that the University was founded to provide world class education, encourage critical thinking, and nurture leaders who will contribute to the growth of the communities, state, and nation.
"I am pleased to see these fundamental dreams realised
as 13,242 students from all parts of Nigeria receive graduate and postgraduate degrees, certificates, and diplomas.
"Indeed, we are proud of the remarkable growth of this university and its outstanding contributions to developing manpower in our state and the country."he said.
Gov. Fubara charged the Management of the University to prioritise research and innovation as they navigate the path to the top, encouraging them to offer practical solutions to the developmental challenges that the society faces, including the creation of suitable local technologies to enhance human security, economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.
The governor further pledged that his administration will endeavour to fulfil its obligations in funding the university, including providing sufficient infrastructure and
supporting the security and well-being of staff and students
Gov. Fubara emphasised that "Education is the most crucial investment for a nation's economic success. Therefore, we cannot, as a responsible government, afford to deprive our youths of the most essential tool they need to improve their lives.
He acknowledged the problems confronting the University, both at the main campus and other locations, but noted that tackling the challenges within the State's educational system requires more than occasional interventions.
"Our commitment, therefore, is to go beyond limited measures and pursue lasting, transformative reforms to bolster the educational system and achieve the intended outcomes."Gov. Fubara stated.
The governor told the graduands, that the ceremony marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their lives, as it brings new experiences, challenges, and choices on their journey through life
He charged them to always let hard work, integrity, and honesty guide them throughout their journey and be job creators as that will help in reducing insecurity and unemployment in the country.
Gov. Fubara further urged them to tap into the opportunities across various sectors of the economy of the State, where they can either find jobs or start their own business as young entrepreneurs.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi at the 37th and 38th combined convocation ceremony, applauded Governor Fubara for appointing him on March 6, 2025, as the Vice-Chancellor of the institution after a rigorous exercise.
Prof Zeb-Obipi enumerated some achievements of his administration since March 7, 2025 to include providing hostel accommodation for 40,000 students and obtaining full National University Commission and professional accreditations for the various programmes of the University.
According to him, “We are graduating a total of thirteen thousand, two hundred and forty-two (13,242) students at this convocation ceremony, with ten thousand, six hundred and forty-eight (10,648) of them for first degrees and two thousand, five hundred and ninety-four (2,594) for postgraduate diplomas and degrees. One hundred and fifty-seven (157) of them obtained First Class; two thousand, five hundred and eighty-seven (2,587), Second Class (Upper Division); and six thousand, two hundred and seventy-five (6,275), Second Class (Lower Division).”
In his speech, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Hon. Okey Wali, SAN, noted the Governor’s unwavering commitment to supporting and funding the university, stressing that it has effectively strengthened the university’s capacity.
He stated that Council unveiled a 5-year strategic plan that focuses on Research to Commerce, ensuring research output transcends academic purposes and is transformed into technology and products that advance national priorities.
The Pro-Chancellor also declared that there will be no room for Indiscipline, promising to address issues such as corruption, extortion, and sexual harassment to protect the university’s reputation and enforce accountability.
He highlighted the infrastructure deficit and security challenges at the satellite campuses, adding that these issues have forced the temporary relocation of some students to the main campus, while urgent steps are being taken to tackle the issues.
The Chancellor of the University, His Royal Highness, Justice, Dr. Sidi Bage Mohammad, said Rivers State University is one of the best-funded tertiary institution in Nigeria under Governor Fubara’s administration.
He called on the University, and all educational bodies to effectively embrace technology and artificial intelligence in an ever-evolving world, noting the importance of harnessing innovation to improve knowledge acquisition rather than the insinuations of it undermining academic standards.
- Gist Reports
