Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, says his administration will continue to provide necessary financial support to strengthen the capacity of the Rivers State University to rank one of the best in the country.

Fubara said this at the 35th convocation of the university in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on Saturday, December 16, 2023.

He said the support is necessary because “education serves as the cornerstone for a firm, equitable and progressive society that is desired of the state”.

The governor added: “Bear in mind that funding is a problem, not just to the university system but also to governance.

“But as you all know, education is the cornerstone of a firm, equitable, and progressive society.

“Therefore, we will continue to do our best to finance our own university.

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“Our commitment to make the university one of the best in this country is a target and a process we have just started today.”

Governor Fubara expressed delight with the result-oriented approach adopted by the university management in achieving the record of success being celebrated, including securing full accreditation for all its programmes, despite the challenges.

Fubara said: “Let me commend the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nlerum Okogbule, for his innovation, result-oriented approach to the administration of this university.

“Let me promise this university community that the grant approved but not released will be released by Monday, December 18.

“The essence of our commitment to education development is reflected in our 2024 budget where it received the third highest allocation.”

He gave assurance that the available resources would be disbursed fairly to address the university’s most critical challenges, including support for the full and effective development of the new campuses.

Fubara also promised the provision of stable power, the building of student hostels, and effective CCTV coverage to enhance safety and security on the campuses.

Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor said 6,326 graduands were conferred with first degrees, postgraduate diplomas, Masters, and Doctor of Philosophy.

Okogbule said all the 24 programmes in the university were fully accredited, adding that the university’s admission quota for medicine and surgery programme increased from 100 to 200 students.

“That of nursing and midwifery also increased from 50 to 100 and all its four satellite campuses in good operation,” the VC added.

The Star