RSU VC Commissioned Regimental Commanding Officer, Pledges Support for Maritime Education

The Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, has been commissioned as the Regimental Commanding Officer (RCO) of the Department of Maritime Science, a move hailed as a significant milestone for the institution.

The decoration ceremony took place on Saturday, November 22, 2025 in his office at the RSU Main Campus at Nkpolu Oroworukwo in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Zeb-Obipi expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Merchant Navy and the Seafarers Intercontinental Pool for the honor, acknowledging the support of stakeholders and the department’s leadership.

He also commended a former Vice Chancellor, Professor Nlerum Okogbule, for properly locating the department in the Faculty of Science after years of searching for a place through three faculties, Management, Engineering and Science.

The Vice Chancellor affirmed that most of the first set of graduates of the Maritime Science Department are already gainfully employed, highlighting the institution’s commitment to churning out industry relevant professionals.

Representatives of the Seafarers Intercontinental Pool, led by Lieutenant Nancy Tucker, reaffirmed their commitment to advancing maritime excellence at RSU, praising the institution’s dedication to strengthening maritime training and development.

Meanwhile, the commissioning has been welcomed by stakeholders, including the Managing Director of Solkem Nigeria Limited, Captain Williams Adedoyin, who spoke to Kristina Reports from London, United Kingdom.

Captain Adedoyin, who is also a doctorate graduand of the Department, described the commissioning as “a welcome development” and “a testament to the university’s excellence drive”.

He commended the Vice Chancellor’s hard work, particularly in growing the Department, noting that Maritime Science had achieved notable milestones despite being relatively new.

Capt. Adedoyin believes the recognition is well-deserved and reflects positively on the entire university.