Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has made a firm commitment to significantly increase financial support for the state's education sector, with a particular focus on Rivers State University (RSU).
Funding Pledge for Infrastructure and Welfare
The Governor announced this decisive move during the combined 37th and 38th convocation ceremonies of RSU, held on Saturday, 7th December 2025, at the university's convocation arena in Port Harcourt. He outlined that his administration's priorities involve closing the existing infrastructural gaps and enhancing the security and welfare of both students and staff across all institutions.
"We will continue to fulfil our financial obligations to the university, ensuring improved infrastructure as well as the security and welfare of staff and students," Governor Fubara assured the audience. He emphasized that education remains the most vital investment for national development.
Strategic Focus on Campuses and Graduates' Future
Governor Fubara revealed that satellite campuses located outside Port Harcourt, especially those encountering operational difficulties, would receive accelerated attention starting in 2026. He praised RSU's growth and its alignment with the developmental needs of Rivers State and Nigeria, urging the university leadership to intensify efforts in research and innovation.
The ceremony celebrated a total of 13,242 graduates. Governor Fubara personally congratulated them and advised the new graduates to leverage emerging opportunities within the state's improving economic landscape. He encouraged entrepreneurship and creative problem-solving.
"As you step into the future, let integrity, hard work, and honesty guide you," he counseled. "Cherish the sacrifices made for your education and live a life of purpose, kindness, and compassion." He highlighted that perseverance and discipline would be key to their success.
Long-Term Reforms and Institutional Plans
The Governor assured that his government is committed to implementing sustainable, long-term education reforms, moving beyond temporary fixes. "As a responsible government, we will not deny our youths the life-changing power of education," he added.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, provided a detailed breakdown of the graduating class. Out of the 13,242 graduates, 10,648 received first degrees, while 2,594 completed postgraduate programmes. The first-class honours list included 157 students, with 2,587 achieving Second Class Upper and 6,275 attaining Second Class Lower divisions.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Okey Wali, SAN, commended Governor Fubara's robust funding support. He also unveiled RSU's ambitious five-year Strategic Development Plan (2026–2030), designed to transform the university into a globally competitive institution. Key pillars of the plan include:
- Translating research into marketable products.
- Restructuring administration, including creating a third Deputy Vice-Chancellor position.
- Enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, extortion, and sexual harassment.
The Chancellor, His Royal Highness Justice Dr. Sidi Bage Mohammad, lauded the state government for making RSU one of Nigeria's best-funded public universities. He urged RSU and other institutions to adopt emerging technologies and artificial intelligence to boost learning and innovation while upholding academic integrity.
