Rivers State Governor, Chief Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike, has formally announced the change of the name of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) to the Rivers State University (RSU).
Recall that the Rivers State House of Assembly, had in March passed a bill into law, changing the name of the university, which is the pioneer state university of science and technology in Nigeria, in line with the directives of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Wike, who made the announcement yesterday in Port Harcourt, while speaking at the 29th convocation of the university, said the change of name takes effect from April 1, 2017.
The governor said, ” Today, Saturday, April 1, 2017 will be the last day that this institution would be known as Rivers State University of Science and Technology as her change of name passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly will take effect from today. The university will henceforth be known as Rivers State University.”
He declared that his administration will continue to sustain the dedicated funding of the university to ensure that all courses of the institution get full accreditation from relevant academic bodies.
Wike also assured that the state Governor will always make the necessary investments to ensure that no Rivers person is denied access to quality education.
The governor said, “A developing State, such as ours, needs the knowledge, skills and dexterity of our people to progress and prosper. Our administration recognizes that providing quality education, as a tool for development, is as important as providing physical infrastructure.
“That is why we are giving tremendous attention and resources to revamping the education sector and ensuring that our educational system truly empowers our people to successfully compete in the global environment.
“Ultimately, our commitment is to ensure that no Rivers person is left behind from the benefits of quality education as a tool for the transformation of our economy.”
He challenged the management of the university to refocus its energy towards fast tracking academic and infrastructural development in the school.
On the Faculty of Management Sciences and Faculty of Environmental Sciences buildings being funded by the state government, Wike expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of work done.
The governor directed the Pro-Chancellor and Vice Chancellor of the university to ensure that the building defects he pointed out during his inspection of the facilities are corrected.
He also directed the contractor handling the College of Medical Sciences to report to the Government House to explain the slow pace of the work.
Wike charged the graduands of the institution to be worthy ambassadors of the institution, who will contribute their quota to the development of the state.
The governor said, “I say congratulations, once again to all the graduands for this milestone. You have all done well and deserve not only to celebrate but also to be celebrated.”
In his address, Pro-Chancellor of the University, Justice Iche Ndu represented by Rev. Dr. Joseph Omaegbu, lauded Wike for bringing to fruition the College of Medical Sciences of the Rivers State University to fruition, in addition to completing the Faculty of Management Sciences and Faculty of Environmental Sciences building at the university.
Also speaking, Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Blessing Didia said the school is an extension of the state’s construction activities.
Didia stated that the university awarded first degrees, post graduate diplomas, masters and doctorate degrees to 4536 graduands.
