The Pro-Chancellor of RSU, Okay Wali, commissioning the laboratory.
The Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt, has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining and developing its Etche Campus, assuring the host community that the institution will not abandon the satellite campus despite concerns over its future.
The assurance came from the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the 15th Governing Council, Hon. Okey Wali, SAN, during the commissioning of a 120-capacity, fully equipped Chemistry Laboratory at the campus located in Etche LGA of the state on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
Wali said the Governing Council was determined to strengthen the University’s presence at Etche through sustained investment in infrastructure and academic facilities, stressing that the campus remained an important part of the institution’s development plans.
He recalled that during the Council’s familiarisation visits to the University’s campuses, members discovered that the Chemistry Laboratory building at Etche was in a deplorable condition, with structural defects that made it unsuitable for academic activities.
He said the Council consequently constituted a joint committee of Council and Management to assess the facility and supervise its renovation and completion.
Reaffirming his earlier assurance to the Paramount Ruler of Etche that the campus would remain operational, Wali said the Council would undertake more developmental projects to improve its academic and infrastructural capacity.
He explained that Chemistry was prioritised because of its importance to teaching, learning and research, adding that the Council would pursue the development of Physics and Biology laboratories in subsequent phases.
Vice Chancellor of RSU, Prof Isaac Zeb-Obipi (left) watches keenly during the commissioning of the laboratory.
“This is all about changing the narrative of this University, and we are determined to do that. By God’s grace, we will achieve it,” he said.
The Pro-Chancellor, who said the 15th Governing Council was committed to repositioning RSU as one of the leading universities in Nigeria and Africa, commended the Vice-Chancellor and Management for their cooperation in delivering the project.
He also congratulated members of the Governing Council, the project committee, the Head of Campus, faculty members and the Paramount Ruler of Etche for their contributions.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, said the successful completion of the laboratory reflected the determination of the current Governing Council to sustain projects initiated by its predecessor.
He acknowledged the contributions of the 14th Governing Council, led by Justice Mary Odili (Rtd.), and the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nlerum S. Okogbule, towards initiating the project.
Zeb-Obipi particularly commended Wali and members of the 15th Governing Council for ensuring that the project was completed despite challenges, including an upward review of the initial cost estimate.
He said the Council approved the additional funding required to bring the project to completion, demonstrating its commitment to the development of the Etche Campus.
The Vice-Chancellor also praised the Paramount Ruler and chiefs of Etche for providing security and protecting construction materials and equipment against theft, while acknowledging the contributions of the Head of Campus, Dean, lecturers and students.
He disclosed that the University’s next development priority at the campus would be the construction of Physics and Biology laboratories.
According to him, the additional facilities would eliminate the need for students to travel to the University’s main campus in Port Harcourt for practical sessions, thereby reducing transportation costs, saving time and improving academic efficiency.
He urged staff and students to ensure proper maintenance and effective utilisation of the newly commissioned laboratory.
Earlier, the Head of Campus, Etche, Prof. M. J. Ayotamuno, described the commissioning as a landmark in the development of the satellite campus, noting that the Chemistry Laboratory was the first facility of its kind to be established at any of RSU’s three satellite campuses, which were established about five years ago.
Ayotamuno commended the Pro-Chancellor and members of the 15th Governing Council for their commitment to completing the project within a short period, adding that its delivery ahead of the 2026/2027 academic session was particularly significant.
He stressed that functional laboratory facilities were essential to modern university education, which increasingly demanded graduates capable of applying knowledge, solving practical problems, innovating and creating value for society.
He said the Chemistry Laboratory would particularly benefit the Faculty of Agriculture through research and practical activities in soil analysis, water quality assessment, fertiliser studies, agricultural chemistry and food quality evaluation, among others.
These activities, he noted, were critical to sustainable agriculture and food security.
Giving an account of the project, the Chairman of the Council Committee on the Science Laboratory Project, Engr. Soibiton N. Isokariari, said the facility was completed within the approved budget and schedule, notwithstanding additional infrastructure incorporated into its scope.
He listed the additions to include a fume cupboard, an independent borehole to ensure regular water supply and a solar power system to provide alternative electricity.
Also speaking, the Acting Director of Physical Planning, Engr. Dr. Captain Gospel Otto, commended the Governing Council for its commitment to the project, disclosing that the 120-capacity laboratory was powered by a 12kVA solar energy system.
The commissioning underscores the University’s renewed commitment to sustaining its Etche Campus through improved infrastructure, expanded academic facilities and a development plan aimed at bringing quality university education closer to the host community.
