New Year Message: RSU VC Calls for Excellence, Unity, and Progress

The Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University (RSU), Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, has issued a New Year message, urging stakeholders to recommit to academic excellence, value creation, and community service in 2026.

In his message, Prof. Zeb-Obipi reflected on the university’s achievements in 2025, including groundbreaking research, impactful community outreach, and a vibrant academic culture. He commended the dedication of staff and students, saying their efforts had contributed to the university’s growth.

The VC outlined priorities for 2026, including academic excellence, community impact, discipline and competence, community welfare, and sustainability. He emphasized the importance of unity, diversity, tolerance, and shared responsibility in achieving the university’s mission.

Prof. Zeb-Obipi expressed gratitude to the Governing Council, staff, students, and the community for their support, saying “RiSU is more than a university – it’s a beacon of transformation.” He wished everyone a peaceful and joyful New Year, with a renewed hope for 2026.

The message is reproduced below:

NEW YEAR MESSAGE FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLOR, RIVERS STATE UNIVERSITY, NKPOLU-OROWORUKWO, PORT HARCOURT

Distinguished Governing Council Members, Esteemed Staff, Beloved Students, and the RiSU Community,

As we step into 2026, I offer my heartfelt wishes for a year of hope, growth, and triumph. This is a moment to reflect on our shared journey, celebrate our achievements, and renew our commitment to excellence.

Despite challenges, 2025 saw RiSU attain greater heights: groundbreaking research, impactful community outreach, and a vibrant academic culture. Your dedication made it possible; hence, I commend your dedication to advancing RiSU’s mission.

In line with our University’s motto of Excellence and Creativity, may we recommit to academic excellence, value creation, and community service in 2026. This potential was evident in our delivery of “Convocation in the Year of Graduation” in a combined convocation ceremony involving 13,561 graduates in 2025. Let 2026 amplify this momentum.

In 2026, our priorities will revolve around:

1. Academic excellence – innovate, collaborate, and push boundaries.
2. Community impact – lead with integrity, service, and compassion.
3. Discipline and competence – ensure work and ethical competences prevail.
4. Community welfare – prioritize everyone’s well-being.
5. Sustainability – nurture a green, inclusive, resilient, and secure campus.

To the Governing Council, thank you for your wise stewardship. Together, we will chart a path to global relevance. To our staff, your hard work fuels our mission. Let us uplift each other. To our students, dream boldly, learn fearlessly, and shape the future. You are our foremost testimonies of how well we are doing as an institution in human capacity building.

To our community, we are Rivers State’s pride. Let us build equity, peace, and progress. Let us have faith in our Mission. RiSU is more than a university—it’s a beacon of transformation. Let us embrace unity, diversity, tolerance, and shared responsibility toward a prosperous Rivers State; and contribute as Rivers State celebrates Governor Fubara’s vision for peace and development in 2026.

Wishing you a peaceful and joyful New Year, and above all, a renewed hope for 2026.