Fifteen professors are vying for the position of Vice-Chancellor at Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Orowurukwo, Port Harcourt.
The current Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nlerum Okogbule, will complete his tenure on March 5, 2025.
Speaking at a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Monday to mark the end of his tenure, Okogbule confirmed that 15 candidates applied for the position, while 13 were interviewed in line with the university’s procedures.
“The selection of the incoming VC follows established procedures in the university law, and by the grace of God, we have adhered to these procedures.
“There was an advertisement, applications were submitted, and interviews were conducted. In fact, I should mention now that about 15 people applied for the position of Vice-Chancellor. Thirteen of them were interviewed, and three have been recommended as required by law,” Okogbule said.
He explained that after the governing council’s recommendations, the final decision would rest with the university’s visitor, the Rivers State Governor.
He added, “A joint Council-Senate Committee conducted the interviews, concluded their work, and submitted their report to the Governing Council.
“The Governing Council has reviewed the report, and by law, the university is required to submit three names to His Excellency, the visitor of our university.
“This decision falls within the visitor’s domain. We trust that, as a thoughtful, humble, and focused leader, he will make the right choice before then.”
Okogbule, who has been with the university since October 11, 1988, said, “I have only focused on my work. I have not worked anywhere else. When you stay dedicated to your responsibilities without distractions, you will not have problems. So, it is not surprising that people recognise my commitment.”
Highlighting the university’s challenges, he mentioned funding, the newly established satellite campuses, and the energy crisis. He advised his successor to explore solar energy as an alternative power source.
“I would advise my successor to consider solar energy. We are looking at how we can explore that option. If we can secure the initial financial investment, it will provide some relief.
“It is also important to assess which buildings can be effectively powered by solar energy. There are several other aspects of university management that need attention,” he added.
On his achievements, Okogbule said, “In the last five years, by the grace of God, we have maintained uninterrupted academic activities on campus.
“We have not experienced disruptions from staff strikes or student demonstrations, mainly due to the way we have managed relationships with these groups—including the four staff unions and the students’ union.”
He listed other achievements, including the establishment of four satellite campuses in Ahoada, Emuoha, Etche, and Kira, the graduation of the university’s first cohort of medical doctors and nurses, and a 100 per cent success rate in the 2023 and 2024 National Universities Commission accreditation exercises.
