Sanusi Anjolaoluwa
Port Harcourt, Nigeria - The race for the Vice-Chancellor position at Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Orowurukwo, Port Harcourt, is heating up with 15 professors vying for the role.
Outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nlerum Okogbule, confirmed the number of applicants during a press briefing on Monday. He emphasized the university's adherence to established procedures throughout the selection process, including a public advertisement, application submission, and interviews.
"We have adhered to the procedures outlined in the university law," said Okogbule. "Thirteen candidates were interviewed, and three have been recommended to the Governing Council."
The Governing Council, following the recommendation of a joint Council-Senate Committee, will now submit the three shortlisted candidates to the university's visitor, Rivers State Governor, for the final decision. Okogbule's tenure will officially end on March 5, 2025.
Okogbule expressed confidence in the Governor's decision-making abilities, stating, "We trust that he will make the right choice."
Looking back on his five-year tenure, Okogbule highlighted the university's achievements, including maintaining uninterrupted academic activities despite challenges like funding constraints, the establishment of new satellite campuses, and the ongoing energy crisis. He emphasized the importance of fostering positive relationships with staff and students, attributing the lack of disruptions to effective management of these relationships.
Addressing the university's energy challenges, Okogbule advised his successor to explore solar energy as a viable alternative power source. "We are looking at how we can explore that option," he said. "If we can secure the initial financial investment, it will provide some relief."
Okogbule also pointed to the establishment of four satellite campuses, the graduation of the university's first medical cohort, and a 100% success rate in recent accreditation exercises as key achievements during his tenure.
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