Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, has commended the leadership and management of Rivers State University (RSU) for their commitment to educational excellence and the maintenance of quality standards.
He gave the commendation during the University’s Stakeholders’ Day Programme held at the Senate Chambers, where he described the event’s theme, “Stakeholders as Catalysts in the University’s Quality Disposition”, as timely and strategic.
According to the Commissioner, the theme highlights the collective responsibility required to build and sustain a globally competitive institution of higher learning.
“Education remains the cornerstone of societal development and national transformation. Universities, in particular, are expected to serve as centres of excellence where knowledge is generated, innovation is encouraged, character is moulded, and future leaders are prepared”, he stated.
He stated the commitment of the Rivers State Government to advancing quality education, noting that achieving the University’s goals requires the active collaboration of all stakeholders.
Dr. Nwagor emphasized that institutional excellence can only be sustained through accountability, transparency, sincerity of purpose, and a shared vision among government, university management, staff, students, parents, alumni, professional bodies, and development partners.
He noted that the quality of a university is no longer measured solely by infrastructure or student population, but by its ability to produce competent graduates, promote impactful research, encourage innovation, uphold discipline, and contribute meaningfully to societal development.
The Commissioner said the gathering provided an opportunity for dialogue, evaluation, and the development of practical strategies aimed at positioning Rivers State University as a leading institution in Nigeria and beyond.
He assured participants that the administration of the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, remains committed to educational advancement through sustained investments in infrastructure, human capital development, institutional reforms, and policies designed to improve standards across all levels of education.
Nwagor also called on lecturers and administrators to uphold professionalism, integrity, and excellence in service delivery, while urging students to remain dedicated to learning and character development.
He encouraged alumni and development partners to continue supporting the institution’s growth and modernization efforts.
The Commissioner further urged stakeholders to resist all forms of academic decadence, including examination malpractice, cultism, indiscipline, corruption, and declining ethical standards, stressing that such issues threaten the credibility of the education system.
He expressed confidence that Rivers State University possesses the potential to become a leading centre of academic excellence in Africa if stakeholders continue to work together toward a common goal.
In his keynote address, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Isaac Zeb-Obipi, described stakeholders as critical partners in helping the institution achieve its objectives and maintain quality standards.
Earlier, the Director of Quality Assurance, Asinyetogha Hilkiah Ogoni, stated in his welcome address that the University’s policy requires all recommended textbooks to be deposited in the University bookshop, approved by management, and sold at approved rates without compulsion.
He added that lecturers are no longer permitted to sell books or other materials directly to students.
- Pepple is the Information and Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Education.