For the Rivers State University of Science and Technology to actualise the aspirations of its founding fathers, there is need for stakeholders to work together to bring forth the best in them.

This advice was given Thursday by Emeritus Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof Nimi Briggs.

The University don while delivering the 24th Convocation lecture of the institution in Port Harcourt titled “Fulfilling the Mandate”, identified decay in Nigerian polity, neglect of the institution by its proprietors, poor work ethos of staff and students hooliganism as four major factors militating against the realisation of the university’s teaching, research and community service mandate.

He explained that the premier science and technology university which was founded by the administration of then Governor Chief Melford Okilo of old Rivers State slide and enjoined all hands to be on deck to reposition the institution.

He insisted that the need for which the university was found still remains in the reality of Rivers State of present.

“We can only go in one direction; forward; because the course is right, the time is opportune and the environment, climent. The choice of a university with bias for science and technology as a veritable instrument for the provision of relevant and workable solutions to the peculiar and difficult problems of this part of Nigeria which was identified even in the pre-independence era, remains as compelling in 1980 as it is today”, he said.

In the area of community service, Prof Briggs credited the institution some achievements as successfully carrying out Environment Impact Assessments for a number of projects in the state amongst which are: state masterplan design of flood and erosion control in the Niger Delta, New Finima Town relocation project, reclamation of Okrika Island shore, protection of Sagbama shore from erosion in collaboration with a Dutch company, Zinkon BV survey and the design of Rivers Bank erosion protection of the embarkment in Odi, all before in the mid 1990s.

Remarking however, that the problems confronting the institution were not peculiar to is as it also affects other similar institutions across the nation, the convocation lecturer suggested strong commitment on the part of students and unity of purpose amongst staff.

He particularly commended Governor Chibuike Amaechi for his effort in revamping education at all levels in the state and his administration support and interest to the university which has enabled it to complete a number of abandoned projects and also the reconstruction of a permanent site which according to him would go along way in repositioning the institution.

He lauded the administration of the current Vice Chancellor, Professor Barineme Fakae for introducing Information Technology Centre in the management of the university. “the Jewel on the Crown of the university’s achievement in the area of infrastructure is the establishment of a world class ICT facility which the institution has successfully utilised in streamlining student admissions, university examinations, financial management and of course, in enhancing overall academic activities, he stated.

In his own part, the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Hon Justice Iche Ndu who chaired the occasion emphasised the need for exemplary leadership to enable the institution realise its mandate for the pursuit of excellence, creativity, professionalism innovation and manpower development and deployment and deployment.

Chris Oluoh