The Faculty of Communication and Media Studies (FCMS), Rivers State University (RSU), has commissioned Starlink Internet Wi-Fi services and a solar power project aimed at enhancing digital access, research, teaching and learning within the Faculty.
The projects, undertaken in collaboration with the Postgraduate Students Association (PGSA), were commissioned on August 11, 2026, as part of efforts to support the University’s digital transformation agenda under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Dean of FCMS, Professor B. G. Nsereka, described the projects as a significant milestone for the Faculty and a practical demonstration of the University’s commitment to digital transformation.
Welcoming guests, staff, students and other stakeholders, Prof. Nsereka described FCMS as a place where “stories are created, narratives are shaped and reshaped”, stressing the importance of providing a technologically enabled environment for academic and professional activities.
He explained that the Starlink Internet Access Project, designed to serve staff and postgraduate students, and the Faculty Solar Power Project were initiated to address some of the challenges affecting research, communication, teaching and learning.
According to the Dean, the projects were inspired by the Vice-Chancellor’s vision of digitally transforming the University and equipping staff and students with the infrastructure required to thrive in an increasingly digital academic environment.
Prof. Nsereka expressed optimism that the initiative would put an end to the recurrent complaint about unstable Internet connectivity.
He noted that staff and postgraduate students would now be able to conduct research, communicate, write and submit academic work with greater confidence, supported by reliable Internet access and an alternative power supply.
The Dean commended the leadership of the PGSA, FCMS management and other stakeholders whose contributions made the projects possible.
He also announced that the RSU Film Festival would hold in November and invited members of the University community and other stakeholders to participate.
In her goodwill message, the Associate Dean, Dr Sarah Joe, commended the collective efforts that culminated in the projects, particularly acknowledging the commitment of the PGSA President, the donor of the project, Hon. Kemelayefa Omonibeke, the Dean and the entire FCMS team.
She said the initiative demonstrated the positive impact that could be achieved through collaboration among students, faculty leadership and University management.
Other speakers, including the Dean of Students Affairs, Professor Bright C. Opara; PGSA Staff Adviser, Dr Chris Biriowu; Hon. Kemelayefa Omonibeke; and PGSA President, Sotonye Gillis-Harry, commended the Vice-Chancellor’s vision of digitally transforming the University.
They described the initiative as an investment in the future of the Faculty, noting that it would create opportunities for academic development while laying a strong foundation for students and generations to come.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of Awards of Excellence to the Vice-Chancellor and some PGSA stakeholders in recognition of their contributions to the development of the Faculty and the Association.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, who served as the special guest of honour, expressed delight at the development and commended the Faculty’s leadership for taking practical steps to improve digital access and create a more conducive environment for teaching, learning and research.
Prof. Zeb-Obipi assured the Faculty of the continued support of the University Management, recalling his earlier advice that faculties and departments should establish legacy projects capable of making lasting contributions to the institution.
He expressed satisfaction that the vision had translated into tangible infrastructure, noting that reliable Internet connectivity and solar power would improve the academic experience of staff and students by providing better access to online resources and supporting research and learning.
The Vice-Chancellor further announced that the 2025 NEEDS Assessment would be dedicated to addressing the needs of the Excel Radio Station, which he said would further strengthen the Faculty’s practical and digital capacity.
He assured the gathering that his administration would continue to work towards ensuring that all departments and faculties of the University become digitally enabled before the end of his tenure.
Prof. Zeb-Obipi thereafter formally commissioned the Starlink Internet Wi-Fi Services and Solar Power Project, marking another step in the University’s drive to strengthen digital infrastructure and create a more technologically responsive academic environment.
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