News
RSUST Wins Best Regional University Award
Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Banking and Currency, Rep. Jones Onyereri (right), discussing with NDIC ED (Operations), Prince Aghatise Erediauwa (2nd right) and others during the arrival of the committee’s oversight visit to NDIC Lagos Office recently. Photo: NAN
Nigerian Premier University of Science and Technology, the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Nkpolu/Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt has made the nation proud as it has emerged the Best Regional University.
The global award was given to the institution by Europe Business Assembly, United Kingdom.
The award was in recognition of its effective management programmes implementation, original intellectual and technology innovations application, educational services, up-to-date technologies, level of social focus, unique achievements and work transparency.
Delighted Vice Chancellor of the Institution, Prof. Barineme Fakae, who disclosed this at a press briefing held in his office yesterday, also mentioned other criteria for the award to include external perception, reputation at the regional and national levels, Press, business and public image, rate of citing and absence of negative reviews in the mass media.
Fakae , who led a team of RSUST representatives to Oxford Summit of Leaders at Oxford University, London, where the award ceremony was held, was also honoured as the Best Manager of the Year in Science and Education Spheres.
The VC, who displayed the prestigious award to newsmen, also displayed the license covering the award for five years.
Prof. Fakae commended the institution’s management, staff and students for faithfully observing the standard set by his administration, and gave special commendation to members of the press whose contributions and collaboration’s were instrumental to the success story, and urged them to continue to remain objective and to observe the best professional standard.
He restated the determination of his administration to passionately pursue excellence in creativity.
The VC maintained that the no-strike stand of the intuition’s lecturers should not be compromised for the sustainable growth of the University.
Highlight of the event was the official decoration of the VC with a rest by the University’s registrar, Mrs Dabo Odimabo, who congratulated him for the feat.
Responding on behalf of the journalists, Mr. Josiah Akanza, a director of Rivers State Broadcasting Corporation, commended the VC and the University management for the victory.
He remarked with joy that journalists’ contributions and collaborations were considered in the award, and promised that newsmen would continue to mirrow activities in the campus without biase.
Chris Oluoh
News
Be Patient With Us, Diri Tells Bayelsans … Inspects New 60mw IPP …Expresses Confidence In Technical Partners, BECL MD
The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene