Rivers State University has assured that the first set of graduates from its Department of Maritime Science would be offered automatic employments if they choose to go into academics.
The Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, gave the assurance on Saturday, November 22, 2025, while officially being commissioned as the Regimental Commanding Officer (RCO) of the Department of Maritime Science in the Faculty of Science of the university.
Prof. Zeb-Obipi said the gesture underscores the institution’s commitment to supporting its students beyond graduation.
Expressing appreciation for the honour bestowed on him as the RCO, the Vice-Chancellor thanked the Nigeria Merchant Navy, the Seafarers Intercontinental Pool, and all stakeholders for their support.
He also commended the department’s leadership and acknowledged the role played by the former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nlerum Okogbule, in securing the department’s permanent building.
Speaking at the occasion, representatives of the Seafarers Intercontinental Pool (Nigeria Merchant Navy), led by Lieutenant Nancy Tucker, reaffirmed their commitment to advancing maritime excellence in the university.
Lieutenant Tucker highlighted the significance of appointing the Vice-Chancellor as RCO and praised the institution for its dedication to strengthening maritime training and development.
Also speaking, the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Professor Ndokiari Biosa, congratulated the Vice-Chancellor on the commissioning and noted that the Maritime Science programme continues to grow in competitiveness and relevance within the labour market. He commended the Department for its sustained efforts in building both its academic and practical training capacity.
In his own speech at the event, the Head of Department of Maritime Science, Professor Nwabueze Ebere, described the commissioning as a historic and proud moment for the Department and the University.
He emphasized that the ceremony, conducted in collaboration with the Nigeria Merchant Navy, symbolizes leadership, discipline, and a shared commitment to advancing Maritime Studies at the Rivers State University.
