Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to transforming the educational landscape, prioritizing robust funding and transformative reforms for the Rivers State University (RSU).
The Governor made this commitment on Saturday, December 6, 2025, during the combined 37th and 38th Convocation Ceremony, where a staggering 13,242 graduate and postgraduate students received degrees, certificates, and diplomas.
“I am pleased to see these fundamental dreams realised,” Governor Fubara stated, expressing immense joy that the university is fulfilling its founding mandate to provide world-class education and nurture leaders essential for advancing the community, state, and nation. “Indeed, we are proud of the remarkable growth of this university and its outstanding contributions to developing manpower in our state and the country.”
Governor Fubara emphasized that education is “the most crucial investment for a nation’s economic success” and pledged to diligently fulfill his administration’s funding obligations. This includes providing sufficient infrastructure and bolstering security for staff and students.
He specifically charged the university management to aggressively prioritize research and innovation, moving beyond theoretical academics to offer practical solutions to societal challenges.
“Our commitment, therefore, is to go beyond limited measures and pursue lasting, transformative reforms to bolster the educational system and achieve the intended outcomes.”
Acknowledging persistent issues, particularly infrastructure deficits and security challenges at satellite campuses, the Governor noted that piecemeal interventions are insufficient. He promised a dedicated approach to lasting, transformative reforms. This pledge was echoed by the University Chancellor, His Royal Highness, Justice Dr. Sidi Bage Mohammad, who praised RSU as one of the best-funded tertiary institutions in Nigeria under Governor Fubara’s tenure.
Addressing the large graduating class which included 157 First Class degree recipients Governor Fubara characterized the ceremony as the beginning of an “exciting new chapter.” He urged the new graduates to let hard work, integrity, and honesty be their guiding principles.
Crucially, he charged them to transition from job seekers to job creators, emphasizing that entrepreneurship would directly help reduce insecurity and unemployment across the country. He encouraged them to tap into the myriad of opportunities available across the state’s diverse economy.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, who was appointed on March 6, 2025, used the occasion to highlight the university’s recent achievements, including the construction of hostel accommodation for 40,000 students and securing full National University Commission and professional accreditations for various programmes. The convocation saw 10,648 students awarded first degrees and 2,594 receiving postgraduate diplomas and degrees.
Meanwhile, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Hon. Okey Wali, SAN, unveiled a 5-year strategic plan centered on Research to Commerce. This plan aims to ensure that research output is transformed into tangible technology and products that directly advance national priorities. He also promised zero tolerance for indiscipline, vowing to address corruption, extortion, and sexual harassment to safeguard the university’s reputation and enforce accountability.
Source: Africa Update
