Port Harcourt, Rivers State – November 20, 2025 – Thousands of aspiring scholars today officially commenced their academic journey at Rivers State University (RSU), formerly known as the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (UST), during a vibrant matriculation ceremony.
The event marked a significant milestone for the institution, as the university recorded its largest student intake in the past five years, signaling growing confidence in RSU's academic programmes despite the prevailing political instability in the state.
Vice Chancellor's Stern Warning
Presiding over the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Nlerum Okogbule, warmly welcomed the new students but immediately issued a stern warning, emphasizing the institution's commitment to maintaining a serene and disciplined learning environment.
Professor Okogbule stressed the university's zero-tolerance policy on two critical issues:
Cultism: The VC explicitly warned that RSU would not tolerate any form of secret cult activity or association, stating that any student found culpable would face immediate expulsion and prosecution.
Academic Misconduct: He equally cautioned against all forms of examination malpractice, plagiarism, and other academic offences, urging the freshers to focus diligently on earning their degrees through merit.
Focus Amidst Political Climate
Addressing the state's ongoing political tensions, the Vice Chancellor urged the matriculating students to remain focused on their primary objective—their education—and to resist being drawn into external conflicts or distractions.
"Your mission here is singular: to study, to learn, and to acquire knowledge. Do not allow the political climate in the state to become a distraction. Discipline and dedication are the keys to a successful academic career," Professor Okogbule advised.
The ceremony concluded with the official oath-taking, formally integrating the new students into the RSU community and charging them to be ambassadors of the institution's core values.
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