Nanji NandangFEW weeks after assuming office, newly appointed Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Isaac Zeb-Obipi, has declared that his administration will uphold strict discipline, emphasising zero tolerance for sexual harassment, examination malpractice, and other related misconducts.
Zeb-Obipi this recently during his address at the university’s 43rd matriculation ceremony. He disclosed that the institution had admitted 11,083 new students, marking the highest number in its history.
“It is for these reasons, this university has zero tolerance for drug abuse, cultism, sexual harassment, examination malpractice, sorting, extortion, stealing, indecent dressing, and other social vices.”
On March 6, 2025, the now suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, appointed Zeb-Obipi as the Vice-Chancellor of the state university, succeeding Nlerum Okogbule, whose tenure ended on March 5, 2025. Zeb-Obipi becomes the 12th Vice-Chancellor of the institution.
In his latest declaration, he assured the students that the university would provide all the necessary support to help them succeed, while urging them to take their studies seriously in order to graduate with outstanding results.
“As you begin your academic journey, I urge you to be curious, ask questions, seek answers, and explore new ideas. Take advantage of the numerous opportunities available to you, including research collaborations, internships, mentorship programs, and community service projects” he said.
“Remember that with great opportunities come great responsibilities. Be mindful of your actions, respect your peers and colleagues, and uphold the highest standards of academic integrity.
The Vice-Chancellor affirmed the university’s commitment to delivering a world-class education that equips students for success in today’s complex and interconnected world.
“Our faculty members are renowned experts in their fields, and our curricula are designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
“Our vision is to transform the University into a world-class, innovative, and inclusive institution; fostering a culture of excellence, creativity, and social responsibility; through the reengineering of the University’s academic, administrative, and community engagement frameworks; to ensure that they are student-centric, faculty-driven, community-oriented and responsive to the needs of the 21st century.”
Acknowledging the potential challenges students may face during their academic journey, Zeb-Obipi said, “Our academic advisors and support staff are committed to guiding you through any difficulties you may face.”
“As you matriculate today, I charge you to be bold, be innovative, and be agents of positive change. Use your time here to explore, discover, and develop your passions. Make lifelong friends, build meaningful relationships, and create unforgettable memories.” He added
Oga Lecture reports that Rivers State University was among the institutions called out on social media in 2019 following the release of the ‘Sex for Grades’ documentary by British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, with the public urging the school authorities to investigate allegations of widespread sexual harassment within the university.
Seventy two hours after the BBC investigative documentary exposed the atrocities committed by lecturers in two top West African universities — the University of Lagos in Nigeria and the University of Ghana, the then acting Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Opuenebo Binya, announced special hotlines through which students could report cases of harassment to the university authorities.
She said the hotlines were established to help students reach her without fear and in confidence, to report issues related to cultism, sexual harassment, exam malpractice, or any other matter, so that the university management could take timely action.
The school outlined a reporting guideline for students on its website.
It reads in part: “A victim who complains of sexual harassment, shall submit a written sexual harassment complaint to the Vice-Chancellor stating the name, department, faculty, time and location of the incident.