Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has openly acknowledged that his ability to remain in office after the six-month emergency political turbulence in the state was made possible through what he described as the “special favour” of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The governor made the remarks on Saturday in Port Harcourt during the combined Thirty-Seventh and Thirty-Eighth Convocation Ceremony of the Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworokwu. Governor Fubara used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s renewed commitment to funding the institution and supporting its academic community. Okay News reports.
Speaking in response to concerns raised by the management of the university, Governor Fubara explained that several challenges confronting the institution emerged because democratic governance in the state was disrupted for months. He noted that the interruption limited the administration’s ability to address issues promptly.
He said, “Like you said, a report was given to us. But you all know what happened in the life of our administration. It is only by the special grace of God, the special favour from Mr President, that we are standing here still as the ones presiding over the affairs of Rivers State.”
The governor assured stakeholders that with normal governance now restored, his administration would resume full responsibility for tackling ongoing concerns at the Rivers State University. He stated that the government’s priorities include bridging infrastructure gaps, strengthening campus security, and improving the welfare of both students and staff members.
Fubara added that satellite campuses of the university located outside Port Harcourt, which have battled operational setbacks, would receive accelerated attention beginning in the year 2026.
“We will continue to fulfil our financial obligations to the university, ensuring improved infrastructure as well as the security and welfare of staff and students. Education remains the most vital investment for national development,” he said.
Governor Fubara also praised the strides the university has made in recent years, noting that its commitment to quality education, intellectual growth, and leadership development aligns with the broader development priorities of Rivers State and Nigeria. He urged the university leadership to intensify research and innovation that would help address socio-economic issues in the state.
He extended special congratulations to the 13,242 students who graduated across first degrees, postgraduate studies, diplomas, and certificate programmes. The governor also expressed appreciation to their families, guardians, lecturers, and the Governing Council for their contributions to the success of the graduates.
Addressing the graduands, he encouraged them to embrace emerging opportunities across sectors in Rivers State and other parts of Nigeria. He stressed the need for them to remain innovative, disciplined, and purpose-driven.
“As you step into the future, let integrity, hard work, and honesty guide you. Cherish the sacrifices made for your education and live a life of purpose, kindness, and compassion,” Governor Fubara advised.
Earlier in his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, expressed satisfaction as he presided over his first convocation since his appointment on the Sixth of March, Two Thousand and Twenty-Five by the governor. He highlighted significant milestones achieved under his leadership, including accommodation for Forty Thousand students and full accreditation of all academic programmes.
He disclosed that out of the 13,242 graduates, 10,648 obtained first degrees, 2,594 completed postgraduate programmes, 157 earned First Class honours, 2,587 graduated with Second Class Upper honours, while 6,275 bagged Second Class Lower degrees.
The Chancellor of the university, His Royal Highness Dr Sidi Mohammad, commended Governor Fubara for making the university one of the best-funded public institutions in Nigeria. He encouraged the academic community to embrace emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to uplift the learning process while maintaining academic integrity.
Chairman of the Governing Council, Honourable Okey Wali, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, also applauded the governor for his strong financial support to the university. He unveiled a Five-Year Strategic Development Plan covering 2026 to 2030, aimed at positioning the institution as a globally recognized centre of academic excellence. The plan includes restructuring administrative systems, introducing a third Deputy Vice Chancellor position, enforcing a zero-tolerance policy on corruption and harassment, and strengthening research output for commercial application.
