The Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dr Peters Nwagor, has challenged the Rivers State University (RSU), Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, to consolidate its academic gains, deepen research and innovation, and strengthen its contribution to the socio-economic development of the state.
Nwagor spoke on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, during an official visit to the university, where he met with the Vice-Chancellor, Principal Officers, Provosts of Colleges, Heads of Campuses, Deans of Faculties and Directors at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room in the Dr Nyesom Ezenwo Wike Senate Building.
The commissioner said the state government remained committed to education as a key driver of human capital development, economic transformation and sustainable development, stressing that government’s investments in infrastructure, staff development and digital learning must be matched by sound institutional systems and measurable results.
He urged the university to pay greater attention to accreditation performance, research output, internally generated revenue, student outcomes and graduate employability, describing the indicators as critical to sustaining institutional growth and competitiveness.
Nwagor also called on RSU to accelerate its digital transformation, establish research and innovation hubs capable of addressing real-world challenges, maintain its infrastructure and seek sustainable funding through grants, endowments, alumni contributions and strategic partnerships with industry.
According to him, government and the university have complementary responsibilities, with government expected to meet its statutory obligations while the institution improves internal efficiency and explores legitimate opportunities for external partnerships.
He expressed confidence that RSU could become a globally recognised African university if it sustained its commitment to excellence, innovation, accountability and measurable impact.
The commissioner was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Mina Tele-Ikuru, and some directors.
Responding, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, commended the Rivers State Government for its continued support and interventions in the university.
He specifically acknowledged last year’s budgetary intervention for accreditation, funding approved for the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies Film Festival scheduled for November 2026, and the implementation of the new minimum wage for university staff.
Zeb-Obipi said the interventions had helped the institution sustain academic standards and improve staff welfare, but appealed for additional government support to address critical challenges confronting the university.
He identified shortages of teaching and non-teaching staff as a major concern, particularly ahead of forthcoming accreditation exercises, while also drawing attention to deficiencies in classrooms, libraries, equipment and office accommodation.
The Vice-Chancellor further raised concern over the acute shortage of accommodation for staff and students, urging government to intervene in the interest of their welfare, security and academic performance.
He appealed for approval to recruit additional personnel, retain retired academics on contract and engage sabbatical and adjunct lecturers to strengthen the university’s human-resource capacity.
Zeb-Obipi also sought financial assistance for the National Universities Commission (NUC) and professional accreditation exercises scheduled for October, stressing that successful accreditation was essential to the university’s continued academic development and competitiveness nationally and internationally.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Governing Council and Management to working with the state government to strengthen RSU and position it as a leading centre of knowledge, research and innovation.
The Vice-Chancellor congratulated Nwagor on his appointment as Commissioner for Education and expressed optimism that his background as a professional teacher would translate into positive reforms in the state’s education sector.
