The Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Prof Barineme Fakae, has attributed the recent ranking of the premier university of science and technology in Nigeria from 76 to 19th position out of 117 universities in the country to its pioneering role and sustained efforts in the application of e-technology.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Tide in his office yesterday, Prof Fakae, said the ranking was an international and competitive exercise which could not be influenced and based on consideration of administrative and academic excellence.

The Vice Chancellor explained that the  university leveraged on the  support and mandate given by the Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi to fast-track its information technology revolution which had made the institution the foremost e-varsity in Nigeria.

Prof Fakae said the recent ranking of the university would spur the institution to consolidate on its vision of providing solution to the peculiar challenges of development in the society.

He said the university had recorded tremendous achievements in the development of the oil and gas industry and the educational sector, as graduates of the university had floated indigenous companies that are at the forefront of ICT development in the various sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Prof Fakae, who was recently reappointed as the Vice Chancellor of the university following the expiration of his tenure, said the decision by the Rivers State Governor wouldl spur him to do more in terms of administrative efficiency.

“The development in UST means that what we have done is appreciated, Governor Amaechi  is very concerned about quality, and we will put in our best to place UST on the  path of excellence”, he said.

Prof Fakae disclosed that all the academic programmes that were previously denied accreditation had been given full accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC) while professional accreditation had also been given to the institution by the various professional bodies.

Prof Fakae, debunked insinuations that his administration was lacking in consultation, stating that decisions on academic activities in the university were taken by senate which comprises of professors, heads of departments, deans and academic directors.

Prof Fakae said he wants to bequeath a legacy of academic excellence that would  promote the export of knowledge rather than oil.

Taneh Beemene