The Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Orowurukwo, Port Harcourt, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, has encouraged newly retired staff of the institution to embrace productive ventures such as farming, book writing, and community service as they transition into post-service life.
Zeb-Obipi gave the advice on Monday while speaking at the university’s first annual retirees send-forth held in Port Harcourt.
He explained that retirement should not be viewed as the end of productivity, but as an opportunity to pursue new passions and continue contributing to society.
“In fact, as it has been rightly said, retirement is not a death sentence but an opportunity to choose other professions to enhance one’s agility. They can take roles in the church, old students associations; go into farming, book writing, or volunteering. By doing so, they will continue to be active and, of course, continue to make contributions to society,” the RSU VC stated.
A total of 74 staff members were honoured at the ceremony — comprising 11 teaching staff, 51 senior non-teaching staff, and 12 junior non-teaching staff.
Zeb-Obipi however expressed the university’s desire to re-engage strong and healthy retirees on contract terms, pending government approval.
According to him, “They have retired but not tired. Their retirement is statutory — 65 for non-teaching staff and 70 for teaching staff. But for those still very strong, we’re appealing to the government to approve for them to be retained to continue their services.”
He also hinted that the exit of such a large number of staff had created gaps that would soon be addressed. “Of course, that we are having 74 of our staff leaving tells you there will be a need to have them replaced.
“There were some who left before now and we have not had an opportunity to replace them. We will see what we can do, in consultation with Council, to ensure we get the Visitor’s support to replace them,” he assured.
The Vice Chancellor further announced the creation of an RSU Retiree Directory, aimed at maintaining cordial relations between the university and its former staff.
“We are going to have a desk officer who will monitor and liaise with our retirees, send them messages during Christmas, Easter, and on their birthdays, and even invite them whenever the university is having a function. That will elongate their life by the umbilical cord they share with the university,” he said.
On concerns about delayed pension payments, Zeb-Obipi noted that some issues were beyond the university’s control but promised timely documentation.
The CV added, “We will do our part by ensuring that the necessary documentation is started early and forwarded to the appropriate quarters. We are very sure that with the government we have in power, such a thing will not happen to this set of retirees.”
In his lecture titled “Living and Thriving in Retirement,” the Area Manager of the Industrial Training Fund, Rumuokwuta Area Office, Port Harcourt, Mr. Ebenezer Oladimeji, advised retirees to prioritize their well-being and faith.
“What you need to thrive as a retiree is health, wealth, relationship, and most importantly to know God. Health is the most expensive; wealth is not just material but peace of mind. Build good relationships, and know God — this is important for Christians,” Oladimeji stated.
Speaking on behalf of the retired teaching staff, Prof. Victor Akujuru, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), thanked the university for honouring the retirees. “We thank the university for honoring us with this ceremony and we also thank God who has strengthened us for over 35 years in this university. We know that God will continue to keep us,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the non-teaching staff retirees, Dr. Dagogo Cookey-Gam, former Director of the Health Services Department, expressed gratitude for the recognition.
Dr Cookey-Gam said, “It’s indeed a thing of joy to be celebrated by a place where more than half of your life has been spent,” he said. “I want to particularly thank the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Zeb-Obipi, who has made this happen. We are very grateful, and RSU will continue to be part of us.”
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of gift items to the 74 retirees in recognition of their years of dedicated service to the university.
Credit: Punchng
