The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Rivers State University (RSU), Hon. Okey Wali, SAN, has declared that RSU now stands among the best-funded state universities in Nigeria, crediting the unprecedented support of Governor Siminalayi Fubara for transforming the institution’s operations and long-term prospects.
Wali made the assertion on Saturday while unveiling the university’s 2026–2030 Strategic Development Plan during the combined 37th and 38th convocation ceremonies in Port Harcourt. He said the governor’s strong and consistent financial backing has strengthened RSU’s capacity, expanded its infrastructural base, and positioned it for global competitiveness.
“Our university is today one of the best-funded state institutions in the country. This level of support has significantly improved our operational efficiency, staff morale, and quality of academic offerings,” Wali said. He added that the new five-year strategic plan would consolidate these gains by prioritising research commercialisation, administrative restructuring, and a zero-tolerance stance on corruption, extortion, and sexual harassment.
Responding, Governor Siminalayi Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining RSU’s status as a model state university. He said the administration would continue closing infrastructural gaps, supporting research, and improving the welfare of staff and students. Fubara recalled the political challenges that interrupted governance earlier in the year but said his administration remained steadfast in its education agenda.
“It is only by the special grace of God and the special favour from Mr President that we are here today,” he said. “Now that stability has returned, we will resume full responsibilities and address all issues raised by the university management.”
The governor assured that satellite campuses outside Port Harcourt experiencing operational setbacks would receive priority attention from 2026.
“We will continue to fulfil our financial obligations to RSU, ensuring quality infrastructure, security, and welfare. Education remains the most vital investment for national development,” he added.
Fubara lauded the university’s growth trajectory, noting its commitment to producing graduates equipped for leadership, innovation, and socio-economic problem-solving.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, presiding over his first convocation since his March 2025 appointment, said RSU has sustained full accreditation for all programmes while providing accommodation for 40,000 students. He expressed gratitude for the governor’s support, which he said has strengthened the institution’s academic and administrative frameworks.
A total of 13,242 students graduated—10,648 with first degrees and 2,594 from postgraduate programmes. Among them were 157 First Class graduates, 2,587 Second Class Upper, and 6,275 Second Class Lower degree recipients.
Chancellor HRH Dr Sidi Mohammad commended the governor for elevating RSU into one of the most adequately funded public universities in Nigeria. He urged higher institutions to embrace emerging technologies, especially artificial intelligence, to enhance learning while maintaining academic integrity.
Governor Fubara congratulated the graduates and urged them to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship, and integrity as they transition into the workforce. “Let hard work, honesty, and compassion guide you as you step into the future,” he said.
