Fubara’s Mandate: RSU Tasked with Global Excellence as 13,242 Graduates Enter Rivers’ Economic Frontier

                                

 

His Excellency Governor Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS

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Fubara’s Mandate: RSU Tasked with Global Excellence as 13,242 Graduates Enter Rivers’ Economic Frontier

PORT HARCOURT — The atmosphere at the Convocation Arena of the Rivers State University (RSU) this past Saturday was one of electric optimism. Amidst the sea of academic gowns and the cheers of families, a distinct message resonated louder than the fanfare: education in Rivers State is shifting from simple certification to strategic economic liberation.

Presiding over the grand finale of the combined 37th and 38th Convocation Ceremony on December 6, 2025, Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, did not just offer congratulations; he issued a challenge. In a decisive address, the Governor, who serves as the Visitor to the University, charged the institution to evolve into a factory for "world-class graduates" capable of expanding the frontiers of what is achievable in the Niger Delta and beyond.

A Pledge for Transformative Reform

Governor Fubara’s presence underscored a renewed social contract between the state government and the academic community. Moving beyond the rhetoric of periodic support, the Governor unveiled a deliberate funding strategy set for 2026. This plan is designed to be surgical, prioritizing the elimination of infrastructural deficits, the bolstering of campus security, and the comprehensive improvement of welfare systems for staff and students.

"We will endeavour to fulfil our funding commitments to the university," Governor Fubara assured the gathered assembly. "Education is the most crucial investment for a nation’s economic success. As a responsible government, we cannot afford to deprive our youths of that opportunity."

Crucially, the Governor addressed the elephant in the room—the operational challenges at RSU’s satellite campuses. He promised urgent, accelerated attention in 2026 to restore seamless academic activities in these outlying locations, emphasizing that systemic gaps require "strategic planning rather than periodic interventions."

The Harvest: 13,242 New Professionals

The magnitude of the event was reflected in the staggering numbers presented by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi. The combined convocation saw the release of 13,242 graduates into the workforce, a testament to the university's expanding capacity.

The breakdown of the graduating class highlights a robust academic output:

Total Graduates: 13,242

First Degrees: 10,648

Postgraduate Awards: 2,594

First Class Honours: 157

Governor Fubara seized this moment to pivot the conversation toward the future. Addressing the graduates, he urged them to look beyond traditional employment and embrace the "expanding economic space" of Rivers State.

"As you journey onward, let hard work, integrity, and honesty guide you," Fubara advised. "Embrace opportunities emerging within the state... explore entrepreneurship. Rivers State holds vast potential across multiple sectors."

Strategic Vision: From Research to Commerce

The ceremony also served as a platform for the university leadership to align with the Governor’s vision. Prof. Zeb-Obipi, who was appointed Vice-Chancellor in March 2025, highlighted the rapid strides taken by his administration, including securing full NUC accreditation for various programs and expanding hostel accommodation capacity to 40,000 students.

Complementing this operational success, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Okey Wali, SAN, unveiled an ambitious Five-Year Strategic Development Plan (2026–2030). The plan introduces a paradigm shift: "Research to Commerce." The goal is to ensure that RSU’s research output does not gather dust in libraries but is transformed into technology and products that solve local problems—directly answering Governor Fubara’s call for innovation-driven development.

The Chancellor, His Royal Highness Justice Dr. Sidi Bage Mohammad, reinforced this modern outlook. While commending the state government for making RSU one of Nigeria’s best-funded public universities, he challenged the academic body to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies to enhance learning rather than fearing them.

A Week of Academic Festivity: The Timeline

The grand event on Saturday was the culmination of a week-long celebration of academic excellence that gripped the university community:

Monday, Dec 1: The week commenced with a Press Briefing, setting the tone for the celebrations.

Wednesday, Dec 3: Intellectual discourse took center stage with the Convocation Lecture, dissecting contemporary educational challenges.

Friday, Dec 5: The Convocation Arena hosted the graduation of First Degree holders, celebrating the bulk of the 10,648 undergraduates.

Saturday, Dec 6: The Grand Finale. This session was reserved for Higher Degrees (Postgraduate diplomas and degrees) and the conferment of honorary titles, graced by the Governor and top state dignitaries.

The Verdict

As the dust settles on the 37th and 38th convocation, the message from the Rivers State Government is clear. The era of education for education's sake is over. Under Governor Fubara’s administration, RSU is being positioned as a strategic partner in the state’s development—a hub where funding meets accountability, and where students are groomed not just to seek jobs, but to create the future of Rivers State.

"Honour your parents by living with purpose," the Governor told the departing students. It was a parting shot that encapsulated the spirit of the day: a blend of gratitude for the past and a steely resolve for the future.