RSUST Unveils 5-Year Dev Plan …Graduates 5,067, Sat

The Rivers State University of Science and technology (RSUST) has embarked on the execution of a five-year development plan aimed at turning the institution into an entrepreneurial hub for the state and region.
Acting Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Blessing C. Didia, stated this in a pre-28th Convocation Press briefing in the Senate Chambers of the University, Monday.
Didia, who fielded questions from journalists, explained that part of the plan has commenced with the establishment of the “Advancement and linkages centre”, in the University.
This was followed by the establishment of the breakfast Academy”, which is an initiative that brings together the best in identified fields of endeavour both from within and outside the university, to identify societal problems and profer solutions.
“We have Alumni in all fields of endeavour both within and outside Nigeria, who are doing very well. The Breakfast Academy will afford us the opportunity of bringing these and other specialists around a table where they would provide solutions that would develop the University, state and Nigeria at large”, Didia said.
The Vice Chancellor explained further that the reason behind building an entrepreneurial University is to ensure that graduates of the university can easily become self-employed, without waiting for the proverbial white collar job.
According to the VC, the University will graduate 5,067 students of the 2014/2015 academic session.
“These graduands have been found worthy, both in character and learning to be awarded the prestigious Degree of this University. I congratulate them in advance, and I’m very hopeful that they will be worthy ambassadors of this university in any vocation they find themselves”, he said.
He also used the opportunity to briefly state developments since his assumption in office on August 1, 2015.
According to him, within the period, disengaged lecturers were reinstated with all rights and privileges through the magnanimity of Governor Nyesom  Wike, and the traumatized workforce had been given a new lease of life.
This, he said, was done by suspending the controversial guideline for appointment and promotion of staff, release of delayed and denied staff promotions, restoration of unions’ check off dues and renovation of staff houses and offices.
It also included reconstruction of the staff club and holding of reconciliation church service organised “for general forgiveness, rededication and reintegration of staff and students”.
The University is billed to hold its 28th Convocation ceremony on Saturday.

Sogbeba Dokubo