Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has acknowledged what he described as President Bola Tinubu’s “special favour” in enabling his administration to remain in office following the six-month emergency rule imposed on the state, stressing that his government is now fully focused on strengthening the education sector.
Speaking at the combined 37th and 38th convocation of Rivers State University (RSU), Nkpolu-Oroworukwu, Port Harcourt, on Saturday, the governor assured the university community that his administration would sustain and expand its financial support for the institution.
Responding to concerns raised by the RSU management, Fubara said several challenges had emerged during the period of political interruption in the state. He maintained that the administration was now in a position to resume its full responsibilities.
“Like you said, a report was given to us. But you all know what happened in the life of our administration. It is only by the special grace of God, the special favour from Mr President, that we are standing here still as the ones presiding over the affairs of Rivers State,” he stated.
The governor outlined his priorities for the university, including improved infrastructure, enhanced security, and better welfare for staff and students. He announced that satellite campuses facing operational setbacks would receive accelerated attention beginning in 2026.
He reaffirmed his commitment to education, describing it as the most important investment for national development. Fubara also commended RSU’s steady growth and its efforts to promote research, leadership training and intellectual advancement aligned with state and national goals.
A total of 13,242 graduates received degrees, diplomas and certificates at the ceremony. The governor congratulated them and urged them to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship and ethical leadership as they enter the wider world.
“As you step into the future, let integrity, hard work, and honesty guide you. Cherish the sacrifices made for your education and live a life of purpose, kindness, and compassion,” he advised.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, presiding over his first convocation since his appointment in March 2025, highlighted progress recorded under his leadership, including accommodation for 40,000 students and full accreditation for all academic programmes. He disclosed that 157 graduates earned First Class honours, 2,587 obtained Second Class Upper, and 6,275 received Second Class Lower degrees.
Chancellor HRH Dr Sidi Mohammad commended the state government for making RSU one of the best-funded public universities in the country. He encouraged Nigerian universities to adopt emerging technologies—including artificial intelligence—to enhance academic delivery while upholding integrity.
Pro-Chancellor and Governing Council Chairman, Hon. Okey Wali, SAN, also praised the governor’s continued investment in the institution. He unveiled RSU’s five-year Strategic Development Plan (2026–2030), aimed at transforming the university into a globally competitive centre of learning. The plan focuses on commercialising research output, restructuring administrative leadership, and implementing a strict zero-tolerance policy on corruption, extortion and sexual harassment.
