Rivers State University Holds Faculty Away Day to Drive Strategic Growth, Innovation and Academic Excellence

The 15th Governing Council of Rivers State University (RSU) has organised a two-day Faculty Away Day aimed at charting a new strategic direction for the institution's growth, innovation and global competitiveness.

The retreat, held from June 30 to July 1, 2026, at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) CBN Centre of Excellence Hall, was themed, "A New Strategic Direction to Inspire and Reposition Rivers State University for Excellence and Creativity."

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Hon. Okey Wali, SAN, described the university's Strategic Plan as the foundation of the retreat.

He explained that the Governing Council established the Strategic Plan Committee to assess the institution's current position and develop a roadmap for its future growth and development.

According to him, improving the university's ranking and strengthening research remain key priorities of the Governing Council.

Hon. Wali stressed that the faculties are central to implementing the Strategic Plan and called for zero tolerance for corruption across the university.

He also urged academics to pursue impactful research that addresses societal challenges, adding that the university is committed to strengthening partnerships with industry to ensure research outcomes translate into practical development.

The Pro-Chancellor expressed appreciation to the University of Port Harcourt for hosting the retreat.

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, urged members of the university community to embrace innovation, collaboration and strategic planning in repositioning the institution for excellence and international competitiveness.

He said the retreat was designed to align stakeholders with the university's vision through discussions on technology, innovation, revenue generation, partnerships, transparency and global rankings.

Prof. Zeb-Obipi expressed confidence that the deliberations would produce practical strategies to advance the university's ambition of becoming one of Nigeria's top three universities and one of Africa's leading higher education institutions.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, welcomed participants and commended the management of Rivers State University for organising the Faculty Away Day.

He described the initiative as a significant step towards strengthening academic excellence, institutional development and collaboration among university staff.

Delivering a lecture titled, "Change the Paradigm from Publish or Perish to Patent, Publish and Produce for Prosperity of School and State," Prof. Emeritus Joseph A. Ajienka called for a shift in the nation's research culture.

He urged universities to move beyond the traditional emphasis on academic publications by promoting innovation, intellectual property protection, technology transfer and entrepreneurship.

Prof. Ajienka, a member of the Governing Council and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, said research should not only expand knowledge but also provide practical solutions, create employment opportunities and contribute to economic growth.

He added that universities should embrace a "third mission" focused on academic entrepreneurship through patents, commercialisation of research, industry collaboration and the establishment of start-up and spin-off companies.

He encouraged researchers to pursue collaborative, impactful and globally competitive research capable of addressing real societal needs and improving lives.

Other presentations at the retreat included "Implementation of the Strategic Development Plan: Innovative Thinking Outside the Box" by Prof. Iyenemi I. Kakulu; "Accreditation and Ranking: Repositioning RSU" by Mr. Victor Okeugo; and "University Advancement: A Systemic Responsibility for All" by Prof. Victor Dugga.

Participants also received presentations on "Grantsmanship for University Research and Development" by Prof. Warebi Brisibe and "Leveraging Digital Transformation, Training and Innovation to Boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)" by Prof. Bourdillion Omijeh.

The retreat attracted more than 400 participants drawn from the university's faculties, institutes, centres, directorates and administrative units, including members of the Governing Council, principal officers and former vice-chancellors.

According to the university, the Faculty Away Day supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), through its emphasis on academic excellence, research commercialisation, innovation, entrepreneurship, transparency and institutional partnerships.