Rivers State University (RSU) has declared its ambition to rank among Nigeria’s top three universities, unveiling a comprehensive strategic agenda anchored on innovation, impactful research, digital transformation and stronger industry partnerships to drive global competitiveness.
The vision was articulated during the University’s two-day Faculty Away Day organised by its 15th Governing Council, held from June 30 to July 1 at the University of Port Harcourt’s CBN Centre of Excellence Hall. The retreat was themed: “A New Strategic Direction to Inspire and Reposition Rivers State University for Excellence and Creativity.”
Speaking at the opening of the retreat, Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, urged members of the university community to embrace innovation, collaboration and strategic planning as the institution embarks on a renewed drive towards academic excellence and international relevance.
According to him, the retreat was convened to align faculties and other stakeholders with the University’s long-term vision by focusing on technology-driven education, innovation, revenue generation, strategic partnerships, transparency and improved global rankings.
Prof. Zeb-Obipi expressed confidence that the deliberations would produce practical and measurable strategies to accelerate the University’s aspiration of becoming one of the top three universities in Nigeria while positioning it among the leading institutions in Africa and the world.
Chairman of the Governing Council and Pro-Chancellor of the university, Hon. Okey Wali (SAN), described the University’s Strategic Plan as the blueprint for institutional transformation, explaining that the Governing Council established a Strategic Plan Committee to assess the institution’s current status and develop a roadmap for sustainable growth.
He identified improved national and global rankings, enhanced research output and institutional integrity as key priorities, stressing that faculties would play a central role in implementing the strategic plan.
Wali also declared zero tolerance for corruption and urged academics to undertake research that addresses societal challenges through stronger collaboration with industry, ensuring that research outcomes translate into practical development.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, who welcomed participants, commended the RSU management for organising the retreat, describing it as a commendable initiative towards strengthening academic excellence, institutional development and staff collaboration.
Delivering the keynote lecture titled “Change the Paradigm from Publish or Perish to Patent, Publish and Produce for Prosperity of School and State,” Prof. Emeritus Joseph Ajienka called for a shift from conventional academic publishing to innovation-driven research that protects intellectual property, promotes technology transfer and creates economic value.
Ajienka, a member of the RSU Governing Council and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, argued that universities must embrace academic entrepreneurship through patents, commercialisation of research, industry collaboration and the establishment of start-up and spin-off companies.
He maintained that research should extend beyond knowledge generation to providing practical solutions to societal challenges, creating employment opportunities and contributing to national economic development.
Other resource persons included Prof. Iyenemi I. Kakulu, who spoke on implementing the University’s Strategic Development Plan through innovative thinking; Mr. Victor Okeugo, who addressed accreditation and university rankings; Prof. Victor Dugga, who spoke on university advancement as a collective responsibility; Prof. Warebi Brisibe, who delivered a paper on grantsmanship for research and development; and Prof. Bourdillion Omijeh, who examined how digital transformation, training and innovation can boost internally generated revenue.
More than 400 participants drawn from the University’s faculties, institutes, centres, directorates and units attended the retreat, alongside members of the Governing Council, principal officers and former vice-chancellors.
The retreat reaffirmed RSU’s determination to reposition itself as a globally competitive institution driven by innovation, research excellence, entrepreneurship, transparency and strategic partnerships, while pursuing its goal of emerging as one of Nigeria’s top three universities.
