UNITAR Celebrates RSU Vice-Chancellor Zeb-Obipi On First Anniversary, Applauds Leadership, Commitment To Sustainable Dev

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) has congratulated the Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University (RSU) and Chairman of CIFAL Nigeria, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, on the occasion of his first anniversary in office.

In a message issued on behalf of the UN Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNITAR, Michelle Gyles-McDonnough, the Director and Head of the CIFAL Global Network, Alex Mejía, as well as the chairmen and directors of the 34 CIFAL Centres worldwide, the organisation commended Zeb-Obipi’s visionary leadership and dedication to advancing sustainable development.

UNITAR noted that his tenure has been marked by innovation, strategic direction and strong institutional support for the CIFAL Global Network’s Agenda 2030 mandate.

The institute expressed appreciation for the Vice-Chancellor’s continued commitment to strengthening collaboration between United Nations Institute for Training and Research and CIFAL Nigeria, describing his leadership as both inspiring and impactful.

UNITAR further stated that it looks forward to many more years of productive partnership with Professor Zeb-Obipi in his dual capacity as Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University and Chairman of CIFAL Nigeria.

The congratulatory message was conveyed by the Director of CIFAL Nigeria and Coordinator of the Nigeria Project Office, Mrs. Ihuoma Njemanze, who extended the institute’s warm wishes for continued success and transformative leadership in the years ahead.

At the CIFAL Global Network XXII Annual Steering Committee Meeting in December,2025 in London, United Kingdom,Prof. Isaac Zep-Obipi was inugurated as the Chairman, CIFAL Nigeria.

The meeting brought together more than 70 delegates from over 30 coutries including Directors and Chairpersons representing 32 CIFAL Centres worldwide.

CIFALs are training centres whose mission is to provide professional capacity- building programmes for government officials and civil society representatives with the aim of strengthing leadership and institutional capacities at the local, national and regional levels.