The Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University (RSU), Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, has announced that the institution will graduate a total of 13,242 students during its 37th and 38th combined convocation scheduled for December 5 and 6, 2025. The ceremony will also mark the 55th anniversary of the university.
Speaking at a press conference, the VC explained that the convocation covers the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic sessions, hence the need for a joint event. “We are graduating a total of 13,242 students at this convocation ceremony,” he said.
According to him, 10,628 students will receive first degrees, while 2,594 will graduate with postgraduate degrees. He noted that the breakdown of classifications, such as first class and second class divisions would be released at the convocation, as some students were still resolving registration issues.
Meanwhile, the RSU management has raised concerns over recurring attacks on students residing at its Emuoha campus. The VC condemned the recent spate of robberies and harassment, which last week prompted students to stage a protest demanding relocation to the main campus.
The aggrieved students also visited the Emuoha Local Government Council to express fears over their safety, citing repeated loss of personal belongings to criminal elements in the community.
Prof. Zeb-Obipi, however, maintained that the university will not shut down or relocate its satellite campuses in Emuoha, Etche, Ahoada, and Sakpenwa without state government approval. He stressed that the campuses were established with good intentions and remained important to RSU’s structure.
He disclosed that although the traditional ruler of Emuoha had earlier pledged support after initial incidents, attacks persisted. To address the situation, the university has convened a town hall meeting involving community leaders, security agencies, and landlords housing students.
“We are confident that with these commitments, the situation will be addressed, and our students and staff will feel secure,” the VC said.
While praising the supportive roles of Ahoada and Etche host communities, he lamented that “some elements in Emuoha seek to bring an otherwise appreciative community to disrepute” through constant attacks on students.
