Fubara pledges continued funding for Rivers varsity

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to fulfilling its funding obligations to the Rivers State University and supporting its development into one of the top institutions in the country.

He made this known at the university’s 36th Convocation in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Saturday.

Represented by his Deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, the governor expressed satisfaction with the university’s progress and contributions to manpower development.

He stated, “I share the pride of everyone who contributed to its appreciable growth and relative success. However, the true standard and quality of a university lie in its ability to expand the frontiers of human knowledge and contribute to societal progress through innovative research and development.”

The Visitor urged the university’s management to prioritise research and collaboration with the private sector for industrial linkages, internships, and job creation to secure a brighter economic future for students and graduates.

He expressed gratitude to the Governing Council, led by Justice Mary Peter-Odili, for its quality leadership and productive efforts in steering the university forward within a short period.

“We especially commend your efforts in providing a conducive learning environment, industrial peace and harmony, and ensuring the university’s positive transformation through dedicated educators and effective management,” the governor said.

In his remarks, the institution’s Chancellor, Justice Sidi Muhammad, applauded the Fubara-led administration for sustaining the vision and objectives for establishing the university through consistent funding despite current economic challenges.

He called on stakeholders to partner with the university to build a better country by guiding and training youths to become future leaders.

Also speaking, the university’s Governing Council Chairman appreciated the state government’s efforts and charged the graduates to be good ambassadors of the institution.

The Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof Nlerum Okogbule, noted that this was his final convocation as VC before the expiration of his tenure. He revealed that the university was graduating 8,920 students, with 120 earning First-Class honours.