Vacuum in RSU as Okogbule Steps Down Without Successor

The Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University (RSU), Nkpolu Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Professor Nlerum Okogbule has officially rounded off his five-year single non-renewable tenure.

His tenure ended on high crescendo with a Valedictory Session by the institution’s Senate held at the University’s Senate Chambers amidst heartwarming remarks, reflection on his achievements and applaud.

However, the disengagement ceremony held without an announcement of his successor, signaling a leadership vacuum in the university.

Although a knowledgeable source on the operations of the University system and its laws clarified that in the absence of the Vice Chancellor, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration step in to act, but no official statement or activity was carried out to portray transmission of power.

This is as the University community waits upon the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara to appoint a new Vice Chancellor believed to be between Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi and Professor Adolphus Joseph Toby, who both took first and second, respectively, in the screening exercise conducted by the institution.

The Governing Council of the Rivers State University had previously screened 15 applicants, narrowing the selection to three qualified candidates: Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, Professor Adolphus Joseph Toby, Professor Nkalo Hudson Ukoima.

At the moment, the university appears to be in a state uncertainty, with staff, students and other stakeholders eagerly anticipating the final decision. 

Reflecting on his tenure while rendering his valedictory remark as VC, Okogbule stated: 

“Today is my last day standing or sitting here as Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University. A journey that started in 2020 comes to an end today.”

During his tenure, Professor Okogbule oversaw several key achievements, including the establishment of the satellite campus, and new faculties like the Faculty of Medical and Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies amongst others. He also led the demolition of the security village, which according to Okogbule, had long been known as a criminal hideout. 

He acknowledged the challenges faced during his administration, particularly unspoken hurdles. 

“We faced a lot of challenges. When the government released ₦15 billion, we had to remain silent despite the difficulties, but we scaled through”. 

Professor Okogbule further highlighted the university’s impact on local communities. 

“Today, RSU has become a university of choice. Our school has brought development to the grassroots. If you go to Emohua, people have bought land around the school, and it has boosted the local economy.”

Former Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Professor Barineme Fakae, commended Okogbule for successfully completing his tenure, making him the second Vice-Chancellor to do so. 

“I’m one of the happiest persons today. I was the first Vice-Chancellor to serve the longest, for eight years. I broke the record, and by the time you got to that position, you called me while I was in my village, and I prayed for you. You finished well, you were not chased out. You are now the second to finish well”.

The valedictory disengagement ceremony was attended by members of the academic community, stakeholders, and distinguished personalities.