Education authorities in Rivers State have endorsed the Rivers State University (RSU), formerly the University of Science and Technology (UST), following massive focus and investment in research and innovation.
This position was confirmed by Peters Nwagor, the Commissioner for Education, who commended what he called the resilience, academic growth, research contributions and strategic role of the RSU, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, in advancing the socio-economic development of Rivers State.
Nwagor gave the commendation during an official visit to the University, where he met with principal officers, Provosts of Colleges, heads of campuses, deans of faculties and some directors at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room of the Senate Building.
The visit is said to have provided an opportunity for the Commissioner to engage the University’s leadership on ways of consolidating the gains recorded by the institution and strengthening its capacity to deliver quality teaching, cutting-edge research, innovation and impactful community service.
He noted that the State Government’s investments in infrastructure, staff development, and digital learning should be complemented by strong institutional systems, prudent financial management, transparency, accountability and measurable outcomes.
He requested the RSU to continue to lead in programmes, research capacity, innovation and partnerships with industry and other relevant stakeholders.
He identified accreditation performance, research output, internally generated revenue, student outcomes and graduate employability as some of the key indicators that should guide the University’s continuous improvement efforts.
Nwagor also encouraged the University to accelerate its digital transformation agenda, establish research and innovation hubs focused on solving real-world societal challenges, maintain its infrastructure effectively and explore sustainable funding opportunities through grants, endowments, alumni engagement and strategic industry partnerships.
He supported the quest of the RSU under Isaac Zeb-Opebi to seek to be one of the top universities in Africa.
In his address, Zeb-Opebi, the VC, particularly acknowledged the State Government’s budgetary intervention for accreditation last year, the approval of funds for the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies’ Film Festival scheduled to hold in November 2026, as well as the implementation of the new minimum wage for RSU staff.
He noted that these interventions had provided significant support to the University’s efforts to sustain academic standards and improve staff welfare.
The VC drew attention to the pressing shortage of teaching and non-teaching staff, particularly in view of upcoming accreditation exercises, as well as deficiencies in classrooms, libraries, equipment and office spaces.
The Professor further highlighted the acute shortage of accommodation for staff and students and appealed for government support to address the challenge, particularly in the interest of the welfare, security and academic success of students.
The VC requested support for the recruitment of additional personnel, the retention of retired academics on contract, and the engagement of sabbatical and adjunct lecturers to strengthen the University’s human-resource capacity.
He equally appealed for funding support for the National Universities Commission (NUC) and professional accreditation exercises scheduled for October, 2026, noting that successful accreditation remains essential to the University’s continued academic growth and national and international competitiveness.
Zeb-Obipi, who reaffirmed commitment to the unity of the leadership segments of the RSU, congratulated Nwagor on his appointment as Commissioner for Education, expressing optimism that, as a professional teacher, he would bring positive changes to the Ministry of Education.