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.

The Federal Ministry of Education has issued comprehensive guidelines to counter widespread misinformation on subject selection under the revised Senior Secondary School Curriculum.

In a statement released on Saturday in Abuja, the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs Folasade Boriowo, said the clarifications followed a surge in enquiries from students, parents, school operators, and administrators troubled by conflicting reports circulating online.

She quoted the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, as reaffirming that no subject has been restricted or excluded from the curriculum, contrary to rumours trending across various platforms.

Alausa stressed that students remain free to select any approved subject, provided choices are guided by schools, parents, or certified counsellors. He explained that the curriculum was intentionally designed to ensure flexibility, allowing science students to pick subjects traditionally classified under the arts or social sciences, and vice versa.

“The curriculum is student-centred, flexible, and tailored to support diverse academic interests and career pathways,” he said.

Addressing confusion over the subject previously known as Information and Communication Technology (ICT), the minister clarified that it has now been renamed Digital Technology. He explained that the change is purely in name and does not alter the curriculum content.

“Students who studied ICT are fully eligible to register for Digital Technology during examinations,” he assured.

On trade subjects, Alausa revealed that six have been approved under the curriculum. Students may register for any of them, provided the school offers the subject and they have been taught it.

“Where a student has not been exposed to any of the six trade subjects, there is no requirement for such student to register for a trade subject as a third option,” he added.

The ministry reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring a smooth, inclusive, and well-guided implementation of the revised Senior Secondary School Curriculum across the country.

Former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has threatened legal action against Sahara Reporters and retired Maj.-Gen. Danjuma Ali-Keffi over what he described as false and malicious allegations linking him to terrorism financing.

Buratai, the immediate past Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, in a statement issued on his behalf by retired Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, on Saturday in Abuja, dismissed the allegation as “fabricated, unfounded and mischievous”.

He said the allegation was aimed at tarnishing his hard-earned reputation, saying the report, which relied solely on claims by Ali-Keffi, had no factual or legal basis.

Buratai added that no security agency, intelligence outfit or judicial panel had ever questioned, investigated or indicted him for terrorism financing at any time in his career.

“The insinuation that Buratai was connected, directly or indirectly, to terrorism financing is entirely fabricated and inconsistent with facts.

“It is a clear misrepresentation borne out of malice,” he said.

The former army chief accused Sahara Reporters of a pattern of targeted attacks, saying previous attempts to smear his name had failed because his records remained “forthright, transparent and distinguished.”

He said his more than 40 years of military service were defined by courage, professionalism and commitment to defeating Boko Haram and ISWAP.

Burutai added that under his leadership, the Nigerian Army reclaimed territories, restored civil authority and returned displaced persons to their communities.

“It defies logic to suggest that the same person who led decisive actions against terrorism would be associated with the very elements he spent his career confronting,” he added.

Buratai demanded an immediate retraction and public apology from both Sahara Reporters and Ali-Keffi, failing which he would “initiate appropriate legal proceedings to protect his reputation.”

The retired General said he remained focused on academic work, policy engagement, peace advocacy and philanthropy, adding that his legacy was documented and could not be diminished by “deliberate misinformation.”