FISON and RSU Forge Stronger Ties in Fisheries Education

By Hachikaru Egeonu

    The Vice-Chancellor speaking during the    Visit

     National President speaking at the Courtesy Visit

       Group Photograph shortly after the courtesy visit 

The Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON) paid a landmark courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room on Tuesday, 17th June 2025. 

Receiving the delegation, the Vice-Chancellor expressed appreciation to the Fisheries Society of Nigeria for acknowledging the University’s support of their programmes and initiatives. He noted that fisheries are a vital sector in the Niger Delta region, which underscores the University’s commitment to its advancement. He acknowledged that FISON's impact in setting standards and promoting best practices in the industry is crucial, and that fisheries play a significant role in research and development in Nigeria.

The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that Rivers State University is determined to partner with FISON to strengthen agricultural education. He disclosed that the University currently provides a 50% tuition scholarship for all students in the Faculty of Agriculture as part of efforts to promote agricultural education and attract more students into the field. He encouraged students to explore opportunities within the fisheries sector, highlighting its potential for growth and development. 

Professor Zeb-Obipi also introduced the Industry Purpose Venture (IPV), a strategy aimed at fostering university-industry partnership. This initiative according to the VC is designed to provide students with direct interaction with relevant industries, align departmental curricular with industry demands, and offer mentorship opportunities that equip students with real-world experience.

Dr. Ebinimi Ansa, National President of FISON, thanked the Vice-Chancellor for the University’s continuous support to the Society. She commended the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Environment at RSU, describing it as one of the best in the country. 

Dr. Ansa also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host the induction ceremony for fisheries students at the University. She raised concerns about the low enrollment in fisheries programmes nationwide and highlighted the department's strengths, including its well-qualified staff and access to natural resources that support hands-on learning.

The National President of FISON further appealed for the revitalization of the University’s affiliation with the African Regional Aquaculture Centre (ARAC), a Department under the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research. She recalled that RSU had an active affiliation with ARAC since 1980, which was initiated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). 

Dr. Ansa concluded by announcing that the Council would be presenting an award to the Vice-Chancellor during their next Conference, in recognition of his contributions to fisheries education and research.

The visit underscored the growing partnership between FISON and RSU in advancing fisheries education and research. It also paves the way for future collaborations that will benefit students, faculty, and the broader fisheries community in Nigeria.