Rivers State Governor Approves Implementation Of New Salary Structure For Tertiary Institutions

The Executive Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved the implementation of the new salary structure for all staff of Rivers State-owned Tertiary Institutions with effect from the year 2026.

The Honourable Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, made this disclosure during a familiarization visit to the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, IAUE, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, on Thursday, August 13, 2026.

The visit, which held at the Postgraduate Hall of the University, was aimed at listening to stakeholders, understanding the realities on ground, and exploring areas of closer collaboration between the Rivers State Government and the University for the benefit of the people.

Dr. Nwagor explained that the payment of the new salary structure and arrears will commence as soon as funds are released by the Rivers State Government. 

The implementation is in line with the 2026 FGN-ASUU and FGN-SSANU Agreements to improve welfare packages and ensure industrial harmony. The upward review covers the Consolidated University Academic Staff Salary Structure, CONUASS, and the Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Staff Salary Structure, CONTISS, as well as improved allowances and other benefits contained in the agreements.

He commended the Vice-Chancellor of IAUE, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, and his Management Team for the warm reception and for producing quality teachers who are shaping learning outcomes in primary and secondary schools across Rivers State.

Dr. Nwagor urged the University to remain committed to quality, accountability, and measurable outcomes so that every naira invested in education translates to improved learning, stronger research, and employable graduates. 

He stressed the need for IAUE to become a leading centre for research in Teacher Education, Science, Mathematics, Technology, and Educational Management, and for research outputs to provide practical solutions to societal problems and inform sound public policy.

The former Associate Dean, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, called for the production of teachers who are academically sound, technologically competent, ethically grounded, innovative, and ready for the 21st-century classroom. 

He also emphasized compliance with the National Universities Commission, NUC, Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards to ensure national and global relevance, and urged the University to measure programmes and facilities against clear performance indicators while addressing challenges with determination.

Dr. Nwagor further encouraged stronger linkages with industries, professional bodies, and the private sector to create opportunities for internships, entrepreneurship, and graduate employment. He also called for the re-engagement of the University’s vast alumni network as partners in institutional growth.

He assured that the Ministry of Education will continue to champion the prudent use of public resources and will bring forward to Government, for appropriate consideration and support, issues that require attention within available resources and policy.

The Commissioner described the visit as the beginning of a deeper partnership, adding that together, they will build the Rivers State of the founding fathers’ dream.

University Appeals For More Infrastructure  

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, expressed gratitude to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for approving the implementation of the agreement with the Unions. He assured that the University remains committed to its responsibilities and to complying with directives from the National Universities Commission, NUC.

Professor Onuchuku appealed for increased Government intervention in the areas of adequate hostel accommodation, staff offices, classrooms, science laboratories, perimeter fencing for security, power supply, and the rehabilitation of the deplorable access road to the University.

He emphasized that sustainable development of the University cannot be achieved without adequate funding, and called on all stakeholders to join hands with the State Government in advancing the growth of the ivory tower.

The Honourable Commissioner was accompanied on the visit by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Her Excellency Dr. Mina Tele Ikuru, wife of the former Deputy Governor of Rivers State Engineer Tele Ikuru, and other Directors of the Ministry.