Rivers
RSU Holds Maiden Alumni Business Round Table Meeting
Determined to expand the frontier of university and alumni relations and partnership, the authorities of Rivers State University (RSU), Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, have held a one-day Alumni Business round table meeting.
The meeting, which was organised by the Directorate of Alumni Relations (DAR) in conjunction with the Alumni’s National Executive Council of the state university with the theme, “Galvanising the Alumni community for impact”, attracted members of Alumni from Abuja, Imo, Taraba, Bayelsa and Rivers State branches.
Speaking at the event held at the Atlantic Hall, Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, weekend, the Director, Alumni Relations (DAR), RSU, Prof. Justin Mgbechi O Gabriel opined that the programme marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the university, adding that it was the first of its kind in the institution.
Gabriel stated that the round table meeting was a testament to the strong and enduring connection the alumni share with the alma-mater, stressing that “the university has played a pivotal role in shaping our lives, removed logs of woods that beclouded our eyes, nurturing our talents, and providing us with the foundation for success.
“Now it’s our turn to give back to support, and to ensure that the state university continues to thrive and excel.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Nlerum S, Okogbule, in his speech christened “RSU Yesterday, today, and tomorrow”, noted that lots of developmental transformations have taken place in the university since its inception in 1983.
Okogbule told the cheering Aluminus that university was among the leading universities in the country, adding that it had one hundred percent NUC accreditation this year.
“We entered 18 courses for NUC accreditation and all of them were given full accreditations, the feat we also achieved last year where we submitted 23 courses and all were given full accreditations”, he stated.
The Vice Chancellor used the opportunity to thank the State Governor and visitor to the university, Sir Siminalaye Fubara, for the numerous support given to the institution and assured that the university will continue to support the Alumni and build a more robust partnership relationship.
In her good will message, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Justice Mary Ukaego Peter Odili, represented by Dr. Chukwuma, A. J. Chinwo, congratulated the management of the university for the programme and urged them to sustain the gesture.
She also charged them to go further to know how members of the alumni are fearing, by creating a database to be in close touch with them.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the event, Engr. Adokiye Tombomieye, called for mentorship programmes by members of the alumni in other to give back to the institution that has impacted much in their various lives.
In his key note speech, Hon Dakuku Adol Peterside, Ph.D who spoke on networking, advised that people should be intentional in their pursuit and leave positive impactful legacies that will speak for them even when we are no more living.
Highlight of the occasion was presentation of good will messages from the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Victor Oko-Jumbo and many others.
The Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalaye Fubara, Justice Mary Odili, His Excellency, Sen lawrence O. Ewhrudjakpo, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, were among personalities honoured at the occasion.
By: Akujobi Amadi
The management of the Rivers State University, (RSU), Nkpolu Oroworukwu Port Harcourt has admitted eleven thousand and eighty-three students to study in various disciplines and courses for 2024/2025 academic sessions in the university.
The vice chancellor of the university,prof Isaac Zeb-Obipi disclosed this during his address at the 43rd matriculation ceremony of the institution held at the convocation arena in Port Harcourt, last Friday.
Zeb-obipi expressed delight that it was a privilege to welcome everyone to the momentous occasion, marking the beginning of an exciting academic journey for the new students and described matriculation as an important ceremony organised by institutions, especially universities.
“Though this is the 43rd matriculation ceremony of the university,it is the first under my watch as vice chancellor, and I am highly excited that I am having my tail cut in the conduct of this significant ritual of matriculation.”
“Once again, I give God all the glory and thank the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the 14th Governing council under the leadership of Her Excellency, Hon. Justice Mary Odili and the host of others who played one role or the other in my emergence as the vice chancellor. May I also use this opportunity to acknowledge my co-contenstants that made the selection a worthy competition, especially Prof Adolphus J. Toby and prof Nkalo H.Ukoima. There is no doubt that they all mean well for the university and as such i am studying the various vision statements they had submitted for possible inclusion in the efforts to implement what we have, “he stated.
He explained that his vision is to transform the university into a world class, innovative, inclusive institution, fostering a culture of excellence, creativity, and social responsibility through the re-engineering of the university’s academic, administrative, and community engagement frameworks to ensure that they are student centric, faculty driven, community oriented responsive to the need of the 21st century.
According to him the university aim to achieve the visions by enhancing academic programmes to meet global standards, strengthening research capacity and promoting innovation and improving infrastructure and facilities to support teaching, learning research, and fostering partnerships with industries, government, and other stakeholders to promote community engagement and entrepreneurship among others.
The VC while giving the statistics of the administration said a total of 29,107 candidates took the university as first choice in the 2024 JAMB Examination, 16,172 qualified the institution 190 cutoff mark, 15,348 registered for the post UTME, while 15,014 participated in university test and out of the number,11,083 was admitted.
The VC while congratulating the matriculants, urged them to shun any forms of social vices such as cultism, examination malpractices, sorting and indicent dressing, adding that the the school has zero tolerance on indiscipline and other anti social behaviours that are detrimental to societal growth.
Akujobi Amadi
The Vice Chairman of Opobo Council of Chiefs, Alabo Edwin Cockeye Brown has joined the chorus of voices calling for an immediate end to the suspension of democratically elected officials in Rivers State.
The Opobo chiefs Council’s vice chair who was speaking on the sidelines at an emergency stakeholders’ congress of the INC held at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa last Wednesday, emphasized the gravity of the suspension of a state governor, deputy and legislators, characterizing it as an unprecedented assault on the democratic process.
He argued that suspending an elected governor and the state legislature not only undermine the mandate given by the electorate but also poses a significant threat to the political stability of the state. Brown further declared the suspension as “an aberration and travesty of the constitution.”
His words, “Even though the Nigerian Constitution grants the President powers to declare a state of emergency under Section 305, it does not authorize the suspension of democratically elected officials, such as governors or members of the legislature. The proper procedure for removing a governor is outlined in Section 188 of the Constitution, which requires legislative processes rather than executive fiat”.
Brown went on, “The unconstitutional suspension of democratically elected government officials is a Slowly but surely dismantling of democratic structures. This will not help our fledgling democracy, but will destroy all the gains so far made in this democratic dispensation”.
“This is not just about Governor Fubara; it is about every citizen of Rivers State who participated in a democratic election,” he stated. He added, “Injustice in Rivers State is injustice all over Nigeria because we are all governed by one constitution.”
He expressed concern that such actions could set a dangerous precedent, eroding public trust in the electoral system and democratic institutions across Nigeria.
He further articulated the historical context of the Ijaw struggle for
representation, highlighting the community’s long-standing grievances
regarding political marginalization.
“For over 24 years, we have fought to regain our rightful place in governance,” Brown remarked. “To have that struggle undermined by a unilateral decision from the federal government is not just
frustrating—it is an affront to our identity and aspirations as Ijaw people.”
Brown called for a united front among Ijaw leaders and communities,
urging them to resist any attempts to divide or silence their voices.
He underscored the importance of dialogue and reconciliation as vital
pathways to resolving the ongoing crisis, rather than resorting to forceful measures that could exacerbate tensions. “We must engage with
the federal government, but we will do so on our terms,” he insisted.
In closing, Brown reaffirmed his commitment to the principles of
justice and equity, emphasizing that the Ijaw people would not back down in their quest for recognition and respect.
“We are prepared to stand firm and advocate for our rights. Our
history is rich with leaders who have fought for us, and we will not
allow their sacrifices to be in vain,” he concluded, rallying support
for a peaceful resolution that honors the democratic process and the will of the Rivers people.
The high-profile one-day stakeholders’ meeting brought together
influential Ijaw leaders, including Bayelsa State Governor, Douye
Diri, his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; former Rivers State
Governor and Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff; former Rivers Governor, Chief Rufus Ada-George; and former Bayelsa Deputy
Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah.
Also in attendance were the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of
Assembly, Abraham Ingobere; National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta
Forum (PANDEF), Dr. Boladei Igali; prominent traditional rulers from
various parts of Ijawland; the President of the Ijaw Youth Council
(IYC), Jonathan Lokpobiri and many other notable Ijaw leaders from across the Niger Delta.